TRIZ: Theory of Inventive Problem Solving

The TRIZ method is an organized, systematic, and creative problem-solving framework. It was developed in 1946 by Soviet inventor and author Genrich Altshuller who studied 200,000 patents to determine if there were patterns in innovation.
Altshuller acknowledged that not every innovation was necessarily groundbreaking in scope or ambition. From the result of his research, he created five levels of innovation, with Level 1 innovations resulting from obvious or conventional solutions and Level 5 innovations resulting in new ideas that propelled technology forward.
The TRIZ method has been altered multiple times since it was released and may appear complicated. However, problem-solving teams can take comfort from the fact that others have most likely prevailed against similar problems in the past.

Element	Description
Concept Overview	TRIZ, which stands for “Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch” in Russian or the “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving” in English, is a systematic problem-solving methodology and innovation framework developed by Russian inventor and engineer Genrich Altshuller. TRIZ is designed to help individuals and organizations find innovative solutions to technical problems and challenges. It is based on the idea that there are common patterns and principles behind inventive solutions, and by identifying and applying these patterns, inventive solutions can be generated systematically. TRIZ has been widely used in engineering, product development, and various industries to drive innovation and problem-solving.
Key Principles	TRIZ is founded on several key principles, including:
– Contradictions	Identifying and resolving contradictions within a problem is central to TRIZ. Contradictions occur when improving one aspect of a system worsens another. TRIZ provides methods to resolve such contradictions creatively.
– 40 Inventive Principles	TRIZ offers a set of 40 inventive principles derived from the analysis of patents and innovative solutions across various domains. These principles serve as a toolkit for generating inventive ideas.
– Laws of Engineering Systems Evolution	TRIZ suggests that engineering systems evolve in predictable ways, transitioning through stages of increasing complexity and ideality. Understanding these laws can guide innovation.
– Ideality	TRIZ emphasizes the concept of “ideality,” where the ideal solution accomplishes its function without drawbacks or resources. Striving for increased ideality is a core TRIZ concept.
Problem-Solving Process Steps	The TRIZ problem-solving process typically involves the following steps:
1. Define the problem	Clearly articulate the problem or challenge to be solved.
2. Identify contradictions	Determine any conflicting requirements or factors within the problem.
3. Utilize TRIZ tools	Apply TRIZ tools and principles, such as the 40 Inventive Principles or the Laws of Engineering Systems Evolution, to generate innovative solutions.
4. Ideate and select solutions	Brainstorm and evaluate potential solutions generated using TRIZ principles.
5. Implement solutions	Develop and implement the selected solution.
6. Analyze results	Evaluate the effectiveness of the solution and make any necessary adjustments.
Implications	TRIZ has implications for innovation and problem-solving across various industries. It provides a systematic approach to finding inventive solutions to technical challenges, leading to improved product designs, cost savings, and increased competitiveness. The emphasis on ideality and resolving contradictions can result in more efficient and effective engineering systems. By following TRIZ principles, organizations can streamline their innovation processes and achieve breakthrough solutions.
Benefits	– Systematic innovation: TRIZ offers a structured and systematic approach to innovation and problem-solving. – Increased ideality: TRIZ encourages the pursuit of ideality, leading to more efficient and ideal solutions. – Creative solutions: TRIZ principles can stimulate creative thinking and lead to inventive solutions. – Problem-solving toolkit: The 40 Inventive Principles serve as a toolkit for generating ideas and solutions. – Competitive advantage: Organizations that apply TRIZ can gain a competitive edge by consistently producing innovative products and solutions.
Drawbacks	– Complexity: TRIZ can be complex and may require training and expertise to apply effectively. – Cultural adaptation: Integrating TRIZ into organizational culture may face resistance or challenges. – Resource-intensive: Implementing TRIZ may require dedicated resources and time for training and application. – Limited to technical problems: TRIZ is primarily applied to technical and engineering challenges, limiting its scope in non-technical domains.
Applications	TRIZ has been applied in various industries, including engineering, manufacturing, product development, aerospace, and automotive sectors. It is particularly valuable for addressing complex technical challenges, optimizing designs, and enhancing product performance.

The TRIZ method is an organized, systematic, and creative problem-solving framework. The TRIZ method was developed in 1946 by Soviet inventor and author Genrich Altshuller who studied thousands of inventions across many industries to determine if there were any patterns in innovation and the problems encountered.

Table of Contents

Understanding the TRIZ method

TRIZ is a Russian acronym for Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch, translated as “The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving” in English.

For this reason, the TRIZ method is sometimes referred to as the TIPS method.

From careful research of over 200,000 patents, Altshuller and his team discovered that 95% of problems faced by engineers in a specific industry had already been solved.

Instead, the list was used to provide a systematic methodology that would allow teams to focus their creativity and encourage innovation.

In essence, the TRIZ method is based on the simple hypothesis that somebody, somewhere in the world has solved the same problem already.

Creativity, according to Altshuller, meant finding that prior solution and then adapting it to the problem at hand.

The five levels of the TRIZ method

While Altshuller analyzed hundreds of thousands of patents, he acknowledged that not every innovation was necessarily groundbreaking in scope or ambition.

After ten years of research between 1964 and 1974, he assigned each patent a value based on five levels of innovation:

Level 1 (32% of all patents)

These are innovations that utilize obvious or conventional solutions with well-established techniques.

Level 2 (45%)

The most common form where minor innovations are made that solve technical contradictions.

These are easily overcome when combining knowledge from different but related industries.

Level 3 (18%)

These are inventions that resolve a physical contradiction and require knowledge from non-related industries.

Elements of technical systems are either completely replaced or partly changed.

Level 4 (4%)

Or innovations where a new technical system is synthesized.

This means innovation is based on science and creative endeavor and not on technology.

Contradictions may be present in old, unrelated technical systems.

Level 5 (1%)

The rarest and most complex patents involved the discovery of new solutions and ideas that propel existing technology to new levels.

These are pioneering inventions that result in new systems and inspire subsequent innovation in the other four levels over time.

How the TRIZ method works

Since its release, the TRIZ method has been refined and altered by problem-solvers and scientists multiple times. But the problem-solving framework it espouses remains more or less the same:

Gather necessary information

Problem solvers must start by gathering the necessary information to solve the problem.

This includes reference materials, processes, materials, and tools.

Organize the information

Information related to the problem should also be collected, organized, and analyzed.

This may pertain to the practical experience of the problem, competitor solutions, and historical trial-and-error attempts.

Transform the information into a generic problem

Once the specific problem has been identified, the TRIZ method encourages the problem solvers to transform it into a generic problem.

Generic solutions can then be formulated and, with the tools at hand, the team can then create a specific solution that solves the specific problem.

Make sense of that

The last step in the TRIZ method appears to be rather complicated. But it is important for innovators to remember that most problems are not specific or unique to their particular circumstances.

Someone in the world at some point in time has faced the same issue and overcome it.

When to Use TRIZ:

TRIZ is a valuable problem-solving approach in a variety of scenarios:

1. Complex Technical Challenges:

TRIZ is particularly effective for solving complex engineering and technical problems, especially those involving conflicting requirements or constraints.

2. Innovation and Design:

When organizations seek to foster innovation in product design, TRIZ can help identify inventive solutions and drive creativity.

3. Product Development:

TRIZ can be applied at various stages of product development, from concept generation to troubleshooting and optimization.

4. Process Improvement:

It is useful for optimizing processes and operations, reducing inefficiencies, and eliminating bottlenecks.

5. Patent Analysis:

TRIZ can assist in analyzing patents and inventions to uncover the inventive principles and strategies used by others.

How to Use TRIZ:

Applying TRIZ effectively involves a systematic approach that leverages its principles and tools:

1. Define the Problem:

Clearly define the problem or challenge you are facing, including any contradictions or conflicts within the problem statement.

2. Identify Contradictions:

Identify the contradictions or conflicts inherent in the problem. These could be technical contradictions (e.g., increase strength vs. reduce weight) or physical contradictions (e.g., increase temperature vs. reduce temperature).

3. Apply Inventive Principles:

Consult the TRIZ inventive principles and tools to identify solutions that resolve the contradictions. These principles provide guidance on how to overcome specific challenges.

4. Ideate and Innovate:

Encourage creative thinking and brainstorming to generate potential solutions based on the inventive principles and insights gained from TRIZ analysis.

5. Evaluate and Select Solutions:

Evaluate the generated solutions for feasibility, effectiveness, and alignment with the ideal final result (IFR). Select the most promising solutions for further development.

6. Implement and Test:

Implement the chosen solutions and test them in practice. Monitor their effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.

Drawbacks and Limitations of TRIZ:

While TRIZ is a powerful methodology for inventive problem-solving, it is not without its drawbacks and limitations:

1. Complexity:

TRIZ can be complex and may require training and expertise to apply effectively, especially for novices.

2. Not a Panacea:

TRIZ may not be suitable for every problem. Some challenges may be better addressed through simpler problem-solving methods.

3. Cultural and Language Barriers:

TRIZ originated in Russia and has its own terminology, which can be a barrier for individuals from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

4. Resource-Intensive:

The extensive analysis and application of TRIZ principles can be resource-intensive, particularly in terms of time and expertise.

5. Not Suited for Non-Technical Problems:

TRIZ is primarily designed for technical and engineering problems and may not be well-suited for non-technical challenges.

What to Expect from Using TRIZ:

Using TRIZ can lead to several outcomes and benefits:

1. Creative Solutions:

TRIZ helps individuals and teams identify inventive solutions that may not be obvious through traditional problem-solving approaches.

2. Contradiction Resolution:

It offers a systematic way to address and resolve contradictions and conflicts within problems.

3. Innovation and Optimization:

TRIZ can drive innovation in product design, process improvement, and optimization efforts.

4. Structured Problem-Solving:

It provides a structured and systematic approach to problem-solving, making it easier to tackle complex challenges.

5. Knowledge Transfer:

TRIZ allows organizations to capture and transfer knowledge about inventive solutions across different projects and teams.

Complementary Frameworks to Enhance TRIZ:

TRIZ can be further enhanced when combined with complementary frameworks and techniques:

1. Lean Six Sigma:

Lean Six Sigma complements TRIZ by focusing on process improvement and waste reduction. Combining both approaches can lead to optimized processes with inventive solutions.

2. Design Thinking:

Design thinking complements TRIZ by emphasizing user-centered design, empathy, and iterative ideation. It encourages innovative solutions that meet user needs.

3. Brainstorming:

Brainstorming sessions can be used in conjunction with TRIZ to generate a wide range of ideas before applying TRIZ’s systematic analysis.

4. Root Cause Analysis:

Root cause analysis techniques help identify the underlying causes of problems, which can then be addressed using TRIZ’s inventive principles.

5. Simulation and Modeling:

Simulations and modeling tools can be used to test and validate TRIZ-based solutions before implementation.

Conclusion:

The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) is a powerful and structured methodology for inventive problem-solving.

By leveraging the principles of TRIZ, individuals and teams can identify inventive solutions to complex technical challenges, foster innovation in product design, and optimize processes.

While TRIZ may have some limitations and complexities, its benefits in driving creativity, resolving contradictions, and providing a structured problem-solving approach make it a valuable tool for individuals and organizations seeking inventive solutions.

When combined with complementary frameworks and techniques, TRIZ becomes an even more potent force for innovation and creative problem-solving, allowing organizations to overcome technical challenges and achieve breakthroughs in their fields.

Case Studies

Product Design Improvement

Imagine a company that manufactures smartphones and wants to enhance the design of their devices to stand out in the market. They identify the problem as “Stagnant Smartphone Design.”

Gather Necessary Information: The team collects data on existing smartphone designs, materials, user feedback, and market trends.
Organize the Information: They analyze existing smartphone designs, including those of competitors, and categorize common design elements and user preferences.
Transform into a Generic Problem: The generic problem becomes “How to create a smartphone design that appeals to a wide range of users and differentiates from competitors.”
Apply Tools and Create a Solution: The team utilizes TRIZ tools to generate innovative design concepts. They explore principles like “Use of Contradictions” to balance features like aesthetics and functionality.
Recognize Commonality: The team researches historical smartphone design breakthroughs and identifies elements that have successfully appealed to users in the past.

This process may lead to a novel smartphone design that incorporates innovative features, such as flexible displays, while addressing common user preferences.

Supply Chain Optimization

A logistics company faces challenges in optimizing its supply chain operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency. They define the problem as “Inefficient Supply Chain Operations.”

Gather Necessary Information: Data on current supply chain processes, transportation methods, warehousing, and inventory management are gathered.
Organize the Information: The team analyzes existing supply chain operations, identifies bottlenecks, and reviews industry best practices.
Transform into a Generic Problem: The generic problem becomes “How to create a highly efficient and cost-effective supply chain system.”
Apply Tools and Create a Solution: TRIZ tools are applied to generate innovative solutions. Principles like “Trimming” are used to eliminate redundant steps in the supply chain.
Recognize Commonality: The team researches successful supply chain optimizations in other industries and adapts relevant strategies.

The result may be a streamlined supply chain system that reduces transportation costs, minimizes inventory waste, and enhances overall efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Building Design

An architectural firm aims to design environmentally friendly buildings with superior energy efficiency. They identify the problem as “Inefficient Building Energy Consumption.”

Gather Necessary Information: Data on existing building designs, construction materials, HVAC systems, and renewable energy technologies are collected.
Organize the Information: The team analyzes current building designs, identifies energy consumption patterns, and reviews sustainable building practices.
Transform into a Generic Problem: The generic problem becomes “How to design buildings that maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.”
Apply Tools and Create a Solution: TRIZ tools are used to generate innovative building design concepts. Principles like “Ideal Final Result” help in envisioning energy-neutral structures.
Recognize Commonality: The team studies environmentally friendly building designs worldwide and integrates successful strategies into their projects.

The outcome may be groundbreaking building designs that incorporate passive heating and cooling, energy-efficient materials, and renewable energy sources to achieve net-zero energy consumption.

Medical Device Innovation

A medical device manufacturer wants to develop a groundbreaking medical device to revolutionize patient care. They identify the problem as “Limited Innovation in Medical Devices.”

Gather Necessary Information: Data on current medical device technologies, patient needs, regulatory requirements, and clinical studies are gathered.
Organize the Information: The team reviews existing medical devices, identifies gaps in patient care, and studies medical technology advancements.
Transform into a Generic Problem: The generic problem becomes “How to create a transformative medical device that significantly improves patient outcomes.”
Apply Tools and Create a Solution: TRIZ tools are applied to generate innovative medical device concepts. Principles like “Contradiction Resolution” help address challenges like miniaturization and enhanced functionality.
Recognize Commonality: The team studies pioneering medical device innovations and incorporates successful design elements into their project.

Key takeaways

TRIZ Method: The TRIZ method is a problem-solving framework developed by Genrich Altshuller in 1946. TRIZ stands for “Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch,” which translates to “The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving.”
Origin and Purpose: Altshuller studied thousands of patents to identify patterns in innovation and problem-solving across various industries. He aimed to create a systematic methodology for problem-solving that encourages creativity and innovation.
Levels of Innovation: Altshuller categorized patents into five levels of innovation:
- Level 1: Obvious or conventional solutions using well-established techniques (32% of patents).
- Level 2: Minor innovations overcoming technical contradictions by combining knowledge from related industries (45%).
- Level 3: Inventions resolving physical contradictions using knowledge from non-related industries (18%).
- Level 4: Innovations synthesizing new technical systems based on science and creativity (4%).
- Level 5: Pioneering inventions that lead to new systems and inspire innovation in other levels (1%).
TRIZ Method Steps:
- Gather Necessary Information: Collect relevant information about the problem, processes, materials, and tools.
- Organize the Information: Analyze and organize information related to the problem, including practical experience, competitor solutions, and historical attempts.
- Transform into a Generic Problem: Transform the specific problem into a generic form to formulate generic solutions.
- Apply Tools and Create a Solution: Use available tools to create a specific solution that addresses the specific problem.
- Recognize Commonality: Recognize that most problems have been faced by others in the past and have likely been overcome.
Key Takeaways:
- TRIZ is a systematic problem-solving framework developed by Genrich Altshuller.
- It categorizes innovation into five levels based on the nature of the solution.
- The TRIZ method involves gathering and organizing information, transforming the problem into a generic form, applying tools, and recognizing commonality with past solutions.
- The method encourages problem-solvers to leverage existing solutions and patterns to creatively address new challenges.

The 40 TRIZ Principles

Principle	Description	Example
1	Segmentation	Divide an object or process into smaller parts to simplify, optimize, or resolve specific issues.
2	Taking Out	Remove or eliminate components, elements, or factors that are unnecessary or detrimental.
3	Local Quality	Improve a specific area or component without affecting the overall system.
4	Asymmetry	Introduce asymmetrical elements or variations to improve performance or functionality.
5	Merging	Combine different functions, processes, or components to simplify or optimize the system.
6	Universality	Design elements or solutions that can be used in multiple applications or contexts.
7	“Nested Doll”	Place objects or components within each other to save space or resources.
8	Anti-Weight	Counteract or reduce the force of gravity to achieve better performance.
9	Preliminary Counteraction	Introduce preventive measures to avoid potential problems or disruptions.
10	Preliminary Action	Perform actions or adjustments in advance to prepare for future changes or challenges.
11	Beforehand Cushioning	Use buffering or shock-absorbing elements to protect against potential impacts or variations.
12	Equipotentiality	Maintain or create uniform conditions or potentials to ensure consistent performance.
13	“The Other Way Round”	Reverse or invert a process or sequence to achieve a different outcome or perspective.
14	Spheroidality	Change the shape of an object or component from linear to curved or spherical.
15	Dynamics	Introduce movement or variation into a system to improve performance or functionality.
16	Partial or Excessive Actions	Adjust or optimize the level of an action or parameter to meet specific requirements.
17	Another Dimension	Add a new dimension or degree of freedom to a system to enable new solutions.
18	Mechanical Vibration	Apply vibrations or oscillations to a system to enhance mixing, separation, or other processes.
19	Periodic Action	Introduce periodic or pulsating actions to achieve specific effects or objectives.
20	Continuity of Useful Action	Ensure that a system continues to perform useful functions even during downtime or failures.
21	Skipping	Skip a process or step when it is not necessary for the current objective.
22	“Blessing in Disguise”	Identify hidden opportunities or benefits in a problem or challenge.
23	Feedback	Establish feedback loops to monitor and adjust system performance in real-time.
24	Intermediary	Introduce an intermediate component or process to facilitate or optimize interactions.
25	Self-Service	Design systems or processes that allow users to perform necessary actions independently.
26	Copying	Borrow ideas, concepts, or solutions from other fields or domains to address current challenges.
27	Inexpensive Short-Living Objects	Use disposable or short-lived components or objects to simplify maintenance or replacements.
28	Mechanics Substitution	Replace mechanical components with electronic, magnetic, or other non-mechanical alternatives.
29	Pneumatics & Hydraulics	Utilize air or liquid pressure to perform work or actuate mechanisms.
30	Flexible Shells and Thin Films	Use flexible or thin materials to achieve better adaptability or efficiency.
31	Porous Materials	Use materials with porous structures to enhance absorption, filtration, or other properties.
32	Changing the Color	Change the color or appearance of an object to indicate its status or enhance aesthetics.
33	Homogeneity	Make objects or substances more uniform in composition to improve performance or consistency.
34	Rejecting & Regenerating Parts	Discard or regenerate components that have reached the end of their useful life.
35	Parameter Changes	Alter the values of parameters or factors to optimize performance or achieve desired results.
36	Phase Transitions	Utilize phase changes (solid-liquid-gas) to achieve desired effects or transformations.
37	Thermal Expansion	Leverage the expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature changes for mechanical advantage.
38	Strong Oxidants & Inert Environment	Control the environment’s oxidation levels to prevent or enhance reactions.
39	Inert Atmosphere	Modify the surrounding environment to reduce or eliminate unwanted reactions or interactions.
40	Composite Materials	Combine different materials to create composites with unique properties and benefits.

Related Methodologies	Description	Key Features
TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving)	TRIZ, developed by Genrich Altshuller, is a problem-solving and innovation methodology that aims to systematically resolve contradictions and generate inventive solutions. It is based on the premise that there are patterns of inventive solutions that can be applied to any problem. TRIZ provides a structured approach for analyzing problems, identifying contradictions, leveraging principles of innovation, and generating creative solutions. It involves principles such as identifying and resolving contradictions, ideality, using resources efficiently, and leveraging inventive principles and patterns.	– Systematic problem-solving and innovation methodology. – Resolves contradictions and generates inventive solutions. – Based on patterns of inventive solutions. – Provides structured approach for problem analysis and solution generation. – Includes principles such as resolving contradictions, ideality, resource efficiency, and inventive principles.
Design Thinking	Design Thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and iterative prototyping. It involves understanding user needs, defining problems, brainstorming creative solutions, prototyping and testing ideas, and refining solutions based on user feedback. Design Thinking encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and iterative experimentation to generate innovative solutions that address real user needs.	– Human-centered approach to innovation. – Emphasizes empathy, creativity, and iterative prototyping. – Involves understanding user needs, defining problems, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, testing, and refining. – Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and iterative experimentation.
Agile Methodology	Agile Methodology is an iterative approach to software development and project management that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer feedback. It involves breaking projects into small, manageable tasks or iterations, prioritizing work based on customer value, continuously delivering incremental improvements, and adapting plans based on feedback and changing requirements. Agile teams work closely together, communicate regularly, and embrace change as a means of delivering value efficiently.	– Iterative approach to software development and project management. – Emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer feedback. – Breaks projects into small, manageable tasks or iterations. – Prioritizes work based on customer value. – Delivers incremental improvements continuously. – Adapts plans based on feedback and changing requirements. – Encourages close collaboration, regular communication, and embracing change.
Lean Startup	The Lean Startup methodology, developed by Eric Ries, is a framework for building and scaling startups through rapid experimentation and validated learning. It emphasizes creating a minimum viable product (MVP) to test hypotheses, measuring key metrics to validate assumptions, and iterating based on customer feedback. Lean Startup aims to reduce the time and cost of bringing a product to market, mitigate risks, and maximize the chances of success by focusing on what customers truly value.	– Framework for building and scaling startups through rapid experimentation and validated learning. – Emphasizes creating a minimum viable product (MVP) to test hypotheses. – Measures key metrics to validate assumptions. – Iterates based on customer feedback. – Aims to reduce time and cost of bringing a product to market. – Focuses on what customers truly value to maximize chances of success.
SCAMPER	SCAMPER is a mnemonic for a creativity technique that prompts individuals to generate new ideas by asking questions related to seven different strategies: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, and Reverse/Rearrange. It encourages thinking creatively by challenging assumptions, exploring alternative perspectives, and generating novel solutions by modifying existing ideas or products. SCAMPER is versatile and can be applied to various problem-solving scenarios.	– Creativity technique based on seven strategies: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, Reverse/Rearrange. – Prompts individuals to generate new ideas by challenging assumptions and exploring alternatives. – Versatile and applicable to various problem-solving scenarios.
Biomimicry	Biomimicry is an innovation methodology inspired by nature’s designs and processes to solve human challenges. It involves observing and emulating nature’s strategies, forms, and processes to develop sustainable solutions that address human needs. Biomimicry encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, engineers, designers, and biologists to unlock nature-inspired solutions that are efficient, resilient, and well-adapted to their environments.	– Innovation methodology inspired by nature’s designs and processes. – Involves observing and emulating nature’s strategies to develop sustainable solutions. – Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, engineers, designers, and biologists. – Aims to unlock nature-inspired solutions that are efficient, resilient, and well-adapted to their environments.
Kaizen	Kaizen, a Japanese term meaning “continuous improvement,” is a philosophy and methodology focused on making incremental, continuous improvements to processes, products, and systems. It involves empowering employees at all levels to identify and implement small, gradual changes that add value, eliminate waste, and enhance efficiency. Kaizen emphasizes a culture of continuous learning, problem-solving, and collaboration to drive ongoing improvement and innovation.	– Philosophy and methodology focused on continuous improvement. – Involves making incremental, continuous improvements to processes, products, and systems. – Empowers employees to identify and implement small changes. – Enhances efficiency and eliminates waste. – Emphasizes a culture of continuous learning, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Mind Mapping	Mind Mapping is a visual brainstorming technique that helps individuals organize and generate ideas by creating a graphical representation of interconnected concepts and relationships. It involves starting with a central idea or topic and branching out into related subtopics, ideas, and associations. Mind Mapping encourages nonlinear thinking, promotes creativity, and facilitates collaboration by visually capturing and organizing thoughts and connections.	– Visual brainstorming technique for organizing and generating ideas. – Creates graphical representation of interconnected concepts and relationships. – Encourages nonlinear thinking and creativity. – Facilitates collaboration by visually capturing and organizing thoughts.