The 7th TRIZ Symposium in Japan
Held by Japan TRIZ Society, NPO
Special Interest Lecture

USIT: A New Paradigm for
Creative Problem Solving-- Its Concept and usage -Toru Nakagawa(Osaka Gakuin University, Japan)
September 8 - 10, 2011
TOSHIBA Kenshu Center, Yokohama, Japan

USIT (Unified Structured Inventive Thinking)In 1995 Ed Sickafus developed USIT at Ford.
As its basis he introduced Israeli SIT,
i.e., a much simplified version of TRIZ.
On his basis as an experimental physicist,
he built up solid concepts and frameworks.
He created a well-defined thining process forproblem solving.
He trained about 1000 engineers andpromoted its application projects in Ford.
Since 1999, Toru Nakagawa introduced USIT
into Japan, and extended it further asa simplified, unified, new generation of TRIZ.

Ed Sickafus(USA)Nakagawa's Recommendations:(Positioning USIT and TRIZ)
Today, (Technical) Innovation is crutial for industries.

We need concepts and methods for Creative Problem Solving.
● From TRIZ, we learn philosophy and knowlede bases.
TRIZ has deep philosophy and systematic way of structuring/

applying knowledge.
-- It may take a long time to learn, but useful as a background.
● From USIT, we learn how to think (or thinking process).
USIT is a clear, practical process for thinking.
Useful everywhere, every time.
-- We can lean it much more easily through case studies
and actual usage.
Apply USIT/TRIZ to your real problems, and get your results!

Outline of the Lecture[1] From TRIZ to USIT

[2] A Simple Case Study of USIT
[3] The Whole Process of Problem Solving with USIT
[4] Understanding USIT as a 'New Paradigm'
for Creative Problem Solving: 'Six-Box Scheme of USIT'.

[5] For Practices of USIT
Ref. Information Sources of USIT/TRIZ[Appendix] Conventional TRIZ Paradigm vs. New USIT Paradigm.

[1] From TRIZ to USIT
Overview of TRIZ (and USIT) World History
Establishment of (Classical) TRIZ
G. Altshuller 1946-1985 (former USSR)

Software tools of
TRIZ Knowledge bases
1990s ～
Updating TRIZ
Knowledge bases
2000～
Application in
Non-technological areas
2000～ (US, Europe)

Application Promotionin Technologies
1985～

Sympifying TRIZ
SIT
1980～ (Israel)

Application to realindustrial problems

Structured Process
USIT
1995～ E. Sickafus

late 1990s ～US, Europe,
Japan, Korea, etc.

Recombining
USIT with TRIZ
2002～ T. Nakagawa

Overall Procedure in TRIZ
DefineSelectDarrell Mann's "HOSI" (2002)

Solve

Evaluate

・ Technical contradictions/( 9-Windows )Inventive principles

・ Physical contradictions
Problem/opportunity
explorer
Function/attributeanalysis
S-curve analysis

・ Su-Field analysis/
Inventive standards
・ Trends of technological
Selecttool

evolution

Solution
evaluation

・ Resources
・ Knowledge/Effects

Ideal Final Result

・ ARIZ・ Trimming・ Ideal Final Result
・ Psychological Inertia Tools
・Subversion analysis

You may learn one by one as you need. (Mann)
We need a simpler and straightforward method. (Nakagawa)Basic scheme for Problem Solving(Conventional: "Four-Box Scheme)
Science & Technologies (Many models, specialized in areas)==> (Traditional) TRIZ (Across areas, but many separate tools)
Many models in the Knowledge Base

A selected Model
Model's
Generalized problem

Model's
Generalized solution

Concretize

Abstract
User'sSpecific problem

User'sSpecific solution

Contents of the boxes depend on areas, models, and problems;
thus cannot be described in any further terms in a general way.

TRIZ in the traditional way:

[Mann's textbook as well]Principal Models for Solution Generation request
their own analysis methods (for abstraction):Contradiction Matrix

Inventive Principles

Su-Field analysis

Inventive Standards

ARIZ (for Phys. Contradictions)

Separation Principle---

Trends of Evolution

Separate analysis methods provide
insufficient and narrow understanding of the problem.
The solution process is confusing and not effective enough.
Difficulty in learning the overall process of TRIZ.

The lack of a clear overall structure in TRIZ isthe root cause of the “TRIZ slow-penetration problem”.

We need to reconsider the Essence of TRIZ.
Penetration of TRIZ is slow
not because TRIZ is poor in its contents,
but because TRIZ is so rich.
Mann has made it easier to learn, but not simpler.

We should better understand the essence of TRIZ
rather than handbook-type knowledges.
Actually it's simple !!!
We need a simple and practical problem solving method.
That's USIT !!!

Toru Nakagawa
at TRIZCON2001, March 25-27, 2001
Essence of TRIZ in 50 Words.

Essence of TRIZ:
Recognition thattechnical systems evolve
towards the increase of ideality
by overcoming contradictions
mostly with minimal introduction of resources.
Thus, for creative problem solving,
TRIZ provides with a dialectic way of thinking,i.e.,
to understand the problem as a system,
to make an image of the ideal solution first, andto solve contradictions.

USIT (“Unified Structured Inventive Thinking”)
Developed by Ed Sickafus (at Ford) (1995 - )Simplified and unified from TRIZ
A clearly defined, effective process:Further extendedin Japan (1999 - )Define the problem,
Analyze the problem, andGenerate solutions.
Readily applicable to real industrial problems
for obtaining conceptual solutions.
** USIT does not depend on tables, handbooks, orsoftware tools.

Extension of USIT in Japan ---> Significance of USIT
(1) Sickafus developed USIT, andwe introduced USIT into Japan.
(1999 Nakagawa)(2) We reorganized TRIZ solution
generation methods andconstructed USIT Operators.
(2002, Nakagawa, Kosha, Mihara)(3) We represented the USIT
procedure in the Six-Box Scheme
and realized it as a new pradigm.
(2004, Nakagawa)(4) We have established the methods
for education in university,
training industrial engineers, andpractical application toindustrial problems

Easy-to-learn TRIZ
Slow-but-Steady Strategy
for promoting TRIZ in Japan.
USIT has unified the whole bodyof TRIZ.
USIT is a new generation of TRIZ.
No need to depend on theanalogical thinking.
A New Paradigm of Creative
Problem Solving.
Easy-to-learn Case Studies

Full traning in 2 days
Steady Strategy of promoting TRIZ

[2] A Simple Case Study of USIT
T. Shimoda and T. Nakagawa (2006)

Everyday-life Case Study in USIT:
How to fix a string shorter than the needle at the end of sewing
Define the Problem:(a) Undesirable effect: The string is shorter than the needle andprohibit applying the standard way of making a knot.
(b) Task statement： Devise methods for fixing the string left shorter
than the needle.
(c) Sketch:(d) Plausible root causes:

The standard way of making a knot
is applicable only when the string left
is longer than the needle.
(e) Minimum set of relevant objects:
Cloths, string (already sewn), string (left), the needle

Problem Analysis (1): Understanding the present system(1) Functional analysis: What is the function of the Needle?
A base for making a loop of the string;A guide for passing the end of the string through the loop

(2) Attribute analysis: Properties taken for granted form the Constraints:
The string does not expand = Its length does not change.
The needle is hard = No change in shape and length.

When any of these constraints is lifted,
there appears a novel solution.
(3) Analysis of time characteristics: Processes of sewing:
Solutions at the final stage and solutions at any earlier stage.
(4) Analysis of space characteristics： A knot makes the string thick at the end.
Watch out about the topology in making a knot and in the 'hole and string' .

Several known solutions:

A well-known technique.
Difficult to make the loopof string in the space;need some practices

The hole of the needle has a slit,
thus the string can be passed andremoved without cutting the loop of
the string. (a commercial product)

Problem Analysis (2) : Understanding the Ideal system
Ideal arrangement of a sting in spacefor making a knot
It should be nice if we could holdthe string in this arrangementin the space.

Solution Generation:
Generate Ideas and Construct Solutions
A ridiculous idea
improve
Known technique

Image of
Ideal situation

A novel needle
specialized formaking a knot improve

improve

A novel tool
made of a straw

[3] The Whole Process of Problem Solving with USIT

USIT Process：(1) Define the Problem(2) Analyze the Problem
Understand the Present System
Understand the Ideal System.

(3) Generate Ideas for Solutions

USIT Procedure
ProblemDefinition
ProblemAnalysis[Flowchart][T. Nakagawa, Mar. 2005]

Define the Problem in a Well-defined Form
Function and Attribute Analysisof the Present System (Closed World Method)
Space and Time Characteristics Analysis
Ideal Solution andDesirable Actions and Properties (Particles Method)
Pluralizationof Objects

Dimensional Change
in Attributes

Solution
Generation
Combination of
Solution Pairs

After
USIT
( Implementation)

Distributionof Functions

Generalizationof Solutions

Build Up Conceptual Solutions( Implement into Real Solutions )USIT Case Study: Picture Hanging Kit Problem

Problem Definition Step:

Specify a Well-Defined Problem(1) An unwanted effect

The picture is apt to tilt without knowing.

(2) Probem Statement(in a line or two)

Improve the ordinary kit (with a nail,a string, and two hooks), so as not likely to tilt.

(3) Simple sketch of
the problem situation(4) Plausible root causes(multiple causes)(5) A minimum set of
relevant objects

imbalanced frame, vibration from the wall,
slip of the string at the nail.

a frame, two hooks, a string, a nail,and a wall

Basic Concepts in USIT:(by Ed Sickafus)

Object:A component of the system, and an entity existingby itself and occupy a space
Attribute: Category of characteristics of Object (Note: not a value)
Function: Action between Objects, which changes or controls
an attribute of the target object.

Examples and anti-examples:
Examples of Objects: A nail, a picture frame, an airplane, an electron,
light (a photon), air, 'information', ...
Anti-examples of Objects: A hole, a force, heat, electric current, ...
(These do not exist by themselves.)
Examples of Attributes: Color, weight, shape, positon, reflective index, ...
(These are expressed as categories.)
Anti-examples of Attibutes: Red, 10 kg, square, ...
(These are values of Attributes.)
Examples of Functions: Accelerate, apply force, change color, contain, ...

Functional Analysis in USIT

Picture Hanging-Kit Problem[T. Nakagawa Mar. 4, 2009]

Mechanism to hold the frame untilted, in the present system
Frame
Align (or Positioning)

Function[Auxilliary function]

Two Hooks
Positioning [by the lengths of the two parts]
String[Hold slightly]

Positioning [Set and hold the

Naildifference in length of
the two parts.]

WallSpace & Time Analysis in USIT
Picture Hanging Kit Problem

Space
Characteristics:

Offset of the frame's center of massfrom the vertical line below the stringxTime
Tilting
Characteristics:

is the main cause of the problem.

immediate fault

fault happening latertime
shocksAdjusting Holding

Time (in detail)Solution Generation Step in USIT : 'USIT Operators'
Solution
Generation

Pluralizationof Objects

Dimensional
Changein Attributes

Combination of
Solution Pairs

Distibutionof Functions

Generalization of
Solutions

Constructing Conceptual Solutions

USIT Operators are applied repeatedly
onto all possible operands in the system/solution space.
Pluralize an Object
Change an Attribute
Redistribute Fuctions
Combine A pair of solutions
Generalize A solution(into 0, 2, 3, ... ∞, 1/2, 1/3, ... 1/∞, ...)
in terms of dimensions
onto Objects

"USIT Oprators": A system of solution generaton methods-- Obtained by re-organizing all the solution methods in TRIZ
T. Nakagawa, H. Kosha, and Y. Mihara (ETRIA 2002)

TRIZ methods for

USIT Operators

Solution Generation(5 Main-, 32 sub-methods)

40 Inventive Principles

Object Pluralization

76 Inventive Standards
35 Trends ofSystem Evolution
Separation Principle

Attribute Dimensionality

Function Distribution
Solution Combination

Self-X Principle
Trimming

Solution Generalization

USIT Operators are further classified in a hierarchical way.

USIT Operators(1) Object Pluralization Method
a. Eliminate
b. Multiply into 2, 3, ..., ∞c. Divide into 1/2, 1/3, ..., 1/∞
d. Unify
e. Introduce or modify
KB
f. Introduce from the Environment.
g. From solid to powder/liquid/gas(2) Attribute Dimensionality Method
a. Deactivate a harmful attributeb. Activate a useful attribute
KB
c. Enhance a useful or suppress a harmful
attributed. Introduce a spatial attribute orvary in spacee. Introduce a temporal attribute orvary in timef. Change the phase or the inner-structureg. Attributes at the micro level
h. Properties of the system as a whole

Nakagawa, Kosha, Mihara (2002)(3) Function Distribution Method
a. Reassign to a different Object
b. Divide the compound Functions
and assign them separately
c. Unify multiple Functions
d. Introduce a new Function
KB
e. Vary the Function in space,use space-related Functions.
f. Vary the Function in time.
g. Detection/measurement Function.
h. Enhance adapting/coordination/control
i. With a different physical principle(4) Solution Combination Method
a. Combine functionallyb. Combine spatiallyc. Combine temporally
d. Combine structurally
e. Combine at the principle level.
f. Combine at the super-system level(5) Solution Generalization Method
a. Generalize/specify
b. Hierarchical system of solutions

An example of USIT Operator sub-method(1) Object Pluralization Method(1c) Divide the Object (into 1/2, 1/3, ..., 1/).
Divide the Object into multiple parts (1/2, 1/3, ..., 1/∞),
modify the parts (slightly,
or differently for different parts),
and combine them for using together in the system.

TRIZ Inventive Principles
which brought this sub-method:
P1. Segmentation
P2. Taking away
P3. Local quality
P15. Dynamicity

Examples of Application of USIT Operators: (Part)
Picture Hanging Kit Problem. USIT Operators are applied to the nail.

Current system

d)

c)

j)

a)
e)

b)
k)
f)
l)
g)

i)

h)

m)

A solution can be interpreted (or derived) in multiple ways:

A case of solution
Picture Hanging Kit Problem(a) Object Pluralization Method
Divide the Nail Object into halves, change the smoothness of the two parts,
and use them in combination.
(b) Attribute Dimensionality Method
Change the values of the Smoothness Attribute in parts of the Nail.
(c) Function Distribution Method
The Adjusting and Holding Functions of the Nail are re-assigned to different
parts of the Nail.

(d) Solution Combination Method
The solution of making the Nail smooth for easier adjustment andthe solution of making the Nail rough for better holding
are combined in space by dividing the Nail.
are combined in time.

[This interpretation of the idea is most important.]

Multiple ways of intrpretation = Redundancy in USIT Operatorsfor making the solution generation easier.

'Separation Principle for Solving Contradictions' in TRIZ==> 'Solution Combination Method' in USIT
ＵＳＩＴ Solution Generation Methods (4)(4) Solution Combination Method
Combine multiple solutions (or multiple elements of solutions)in various ways
(such as functionally, spatially, temporally,
structurally, at the principle level, etc.)
so as to form a new solution
which enhances the strong points,
complements the drawbacks, andovercomes the contradictions.
Also solve the problem
by transferring to the super-system level.

ＵＳＩＴ Solution Generation Methods (5)(5) Solution Generalization Method in USIT
Represent a solution in a more general way,form a solution template, andobtain concepts of solutionsin the associative manner.
Also generate a hierarchical system of solutions.

USIT (i.e., a simple and unified TRIZ)
analyzes any problem in a standard process andgenerates solutions systematically and comprehensively.

How to learn/apply USIT Solution Generation Methods-- It takes time to master them.
They contain the essence of all the methods in TRIZ.

(A) Understand the meaning of each sub-Operator.
- Read/learn texts of solution generation merhods (in USIT and in TRIZ).
- Learn various examples of application.
- Interpret for yourself any solution in terms of USIT operators. -- This is effective!

(B) Realize which (sub-)Operators are effective in various situations- Basically any sub-Operator is useful. Do not bother too much in selection.
- Analysis of the problem often guides you naturally to some sub-Operators.
- There are several frequently-used sub-Operators. You can learn them soon.

(C) Master the secrets of applying each sub-Operator to real problems.
- Apply the sub-Operator onto the target anyway, and then think of its good usage.
- Apply it not in conventional ways but in its essential, principle-based ways.
- Application methods may never be unique. Think differently and flexibly.

[4] Understanding USIT as a 'New Paradigm' for
Creative Problem Solving: 'Six-Box Scheme of USIT'.
We repesented the USIT procedure in Data Flow Diagram.
(T. Nakagawa, Sept. 2004)

Flowchart：

start

Data Flow：

Information1

Factswell known
in computerscience:

Process 1

Process

Sequence,
Logic

Information2

Process 2

Information
3

Data Flow describes the in/out and intermediary information as requirements.
There may be different methods (How) for achieving such requirements (What).
Flowcharts try to describe the means (How) to perform.
The information to be handled are implicit, not specified explicitly.

Data Flow representations are more basic and stable
than the Flowcharts.

Basic scheme for Problem Solving(Conventional: "Four-Box Scheme)
Science & Technologies (Many models, specialized in areas)==> (Traditional) TRIZ (Across areas, but many separate tools)
Many models in the Knowledge Base

A selected Model
Model's
Generalized problem

Model's
Generalized solution

Concretize

Abstract
User'sSpecific problem

User'sSpecific solution

Contents of the boxes depend on areas, models, and problems;
thus cannot be described in any further terms in a general way.

Six-Box Scheme of USIT: Data-Flow Representation
New Paradigm for Creative Problem Solving
A unified method across the fields

Idea
generation

Ideas fora new system

Abstraction)

Solutionconstruction

Well-defined
specific problem
Problemdefinition

Conceptual
solutionsUser's specificproblemUser's specificsolution

2

1

4

5

(

(

Understanding of
3 the present system
andthe ideal system
ProblemanalysisConcretization)(generalized solution)(generalized problem)

Implementation
6

Description of the Six-Box Scheme of USIT :Box 1： User's specific problem:
The problem recognized in the real world.

Box 2: Well-defined specific problem: (Start of the problem solving in USIT)
Unwanted effect, Task statement, Sketch,
Plausible root causes, Minimum set of relevant objects
Box 3： Understanding of the present system:
In terms of Objects-Attributes-Functions, Space and Time
Understanding of the ideal system:
Desirable behavior and Desirable properties.
Box 4： Ideas for a new system:
Pieces of core idea for improving and changing the system.
Box 5: Conceptual solutions:（Goal of the problem solving in USIT)
Solutions in the concept level constructed around the core ideas.
Box 6： User's specific solutions:
Solutions implemented in the real world.

Description of the Six-Box Scheme of USIT (continued):
1→2：Define the Problem:

Select the problem with the real-world criteria.
Usually through discussion.

2→3： Analyze the Problem: Function analysis, Attribute analysis,
Space and Time Characteristics analysis.
Particles Method for understanding the Ideal system.
(Standard set of analysis (=abstraction) methods independent of the fields.
Not a mapping to any model given from outside.)

3→4： Generate Ideas:
In theory: Apply USIT Operators onto the system components or solutions.
In practice: Ideas are coming out during the analysis stage in USIT,
and during the consideration of the hierarchical system of solutions.

4→5： Build Conceptual Solutions:
Construct solutions around the core ideas.
Scientific and technical capability related to the subject is necessary.
Knowledge bases in TRIZ are useful for supporting this stage.

5→6: Implement specific solutions: (Real World activity after finishing USIT)
Evaluate & select the conceptual solutions.
Designing, experiments, and implementing into real products/processes.

Six-Box Scheme of USIT (A New Paradigm for Creative Problem Solving)
TRIZ Knowledge Bases

Abstraction)

Problemanalysis(specific problem)

Well-defined
specific problem
Problemdefinition

2

1

User's specificproblem

Use the standard methods in USIT.
Use them in any problem.

Idea
generation

Generatednaturally.
USIT
Operators
canenhance.

(generalized solution)
Ideas fora new system

4

Solutionconstruction(specific solution)

Conceptual
solutionsConcretization)(
3

Understanding of
the present system
andthe ideal system

USIT Operators5((generalized problem)

Implementation
User's specificsolution6

Use your full capability in science andtechnology.

6-Box Scheme of Creative Problem Solving (USIT)
TRIZ Knowledge bases(generalized problem)

Problemanalysis(specific problem)
Well-defined
specific problem
Problemdefinition
User's specificproblem

USIT
Operators
Idea
generation

Ideas fora new system

Solutionconstruction(specific solution)

Subject-matterknowledge

Conceptual
solutions

Implementation
User's specificsolution(Concretization)(Abstraction)

Understanding of
the present system
andthe ideal system(generalized solution)

6-Box Scheme of Creative Problem Solving (USIT)
TRIZ Knowledge bases

Thinking
World
Methodology(Abstraction)

Real
World
Technology/
Business/
Society

Understanding of
the present systemand the ideal system
Problemanalysis(specific problem)

Well-defined
specific problem
Problemdefinition

User's specificproblem(generalized solution)
USIT
Ideas for
Operators
a new system
Idea
generation

Solutionconstruction(specific solution)
Conceptual
solutions

Implementation
User's specificsolution(Concretization)(generalized problem)

Conclusion'Six-Box Scheme' is
A New Paradigm ofCreative Problem Solving.
The Scheme clarifies
what types of information are required
for every stage of problem solving.
This solves a fundamental problem
in TRIZ (i.e. the lack of clear overall structure).

USIT is a practical procedure
for performing the Six-Box Scheme.

[5] For Practices of USIT
How to Apply and Pracice USIT in Industries(1) USIT is much easier to learn than (conventional) TRIZ.
Bring up (a few) USIT experts as the leaders in a company,
and train many engineers in in-house training program to understand USIT.

(2) USIT fits well for group work.
Make joint teams of 1-2 USIT experts and 4-6 engineers for problem solving.

USIT expert facilitates the team, or asks suitable questions to the engineers.

(3) USIT is applicable to real problems for conceptual solutions.
Apply to imporant real industrial problems and get results.
Can be implemented smoothly in the R&D framework in industries.
Selecting problems and implementing solutions need to be done in the criteriaof the real business/technological world.

(4) Use TRIZ knowledge base tools in a complementary way.
Use USIT in a group for guiding human thinking process, andUse TRIZ software tools as the knowledge bases, mostly individually at separate
time zones.

2-Day USIT Training Seminar (Nakagawa)Practice USIT in solving real, brought-in problems in groups.
10:00

9:00
(L0) Introduction(L4) Analysis of Ideal System(L1) Introduction to
TRIZ/USIT

Group Work (3)

12:30
13:30

Lunch

11:15

Presentation of Problems

12:00(L2) Problem Definition

13:00

P&D
(L5) Solution Generation
Lunch
Group Work (4)14:45Group Work (1)

14:30

P&D
Group Work (5)

16:30
16:45

Presentation & Discussions

16:15(L3) Analysis of Present System

Group Work (6)P&DGroup Work (2)
17:30
19:00

P&D

P&D

18：00

(L6) Promotion in Industries
General Discussion

Japan: Public Presentations on USIT from Industries：(TRIZ Symposium in Japan, 2005 - 2011)
Fuji Film Co.:
Improving the USIT method (2005, 2006)
Fuji Xerox Co.:
Case studies (2005)
Matsushita Electric Works: Promotion and application (2005, 2006, 2007)
Nissan Motor Co.:
Promotion and application (2005)
Konica-Minolta group: Promotion & practices (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), Method (2008, 2010)
Toshiba group:
Case study (2007)
Sekisui Chemical Industries:
Promotion and application (2007)
Ricoh group:
Case study (2008)
Pioneer:
Promotion and application (2008)
Sharp :
Promotion and application (2008, 2009)
IDEA USIT Training Seminar:
Case study (2008) [Sekisui House]
MPUF USIT/TRIZ Study Group: Case Study (2008, 2010) [SONY], Appliction method(2009, 2009, 2010), Case Study (2011)

Observations：
Most industries have tried several ways of promoting/using TRIZ.
Among them USIT has a certain share in its weight in real applications.
Mostly carried out in the bottom-up promotion with some support in theorganization. Organizational activities seem not so strong.
Study groups of engineers from multiple companies will play importantroles in the near future (e.g., MPUF).

Ref. Information Sources of USIT/TRIZ
Web: "TRIZ Home Page in Japan"
http://www.osaka-gu.ac.jp/php/nakagawa/TRIZ/eTRIZ/
A public Web site established in 1998. Editor: Toru Nakagawa.
Abundom of up-to-date information, e.g. papers, intoductory articles,
case studies, conference reports, etc.
Papers by many authors from Japan and overseas, and by Nakagawa.
Pages in Japanese and in English in parallel.

Books: "Hands-On Systematic Innovation" in TRIZ Practice and Benefits Series Vol. 1.
by Darrell Mann (CREAX, 2002), Japanese translation by T. Nakagawa (SKI, 2004)"USIT Overview (eBook)" by Ed Sickafus (2001)、Japanese translation (2004)

Article： T. Nakagawa: 'Introduction to USIT: A Simple Method for Creative Problem Solving'in "Mechanical Design", Aug. - Dec., 2007 (5 series)

Papers： T. Nakagawa, H. Kosha, Y. Mihara: 'Reorganizing TRIZ Solution Generation Methods
into Simple Five in USIT', ETRIA TFC 2002, France
T. Nakagawa: 'A New Paradigm for Creative Problem Solving: Six-Box Scheme in
USIT', ETRIA TFC 2006, Oct.206, Belgium

All the articles are posted in TRIZ Home Page in Japan.

[Appendix] Conventional TRIZ Paradigm vs. New USIT Paradigm.

Comparisons (1) Procedure
TRIZ Traditional:
several sets of (analysis-solution) methods
with huge knowledge bases•••

Apply one set, and, if failed, try another.
==> partial understanding of the problem

New paradigm with USIT:
A standard set of analysis and solution methods
Apply always the standard set==> Full understanding of the problem

Implications of the New Scheme (1A) Analysis/Modeling
Traditional paradigm: (TRIZ and generally S&T)
A known Model is selectedfrom Knowledge Bases
intuitively or with trial-and-error
Real Problem is mapped onto the Modelon the basis of intuitive similarlity.

SelectModel
Mapping
Problem

New paradigm with USIT:
A real Problem is well defined, and thenanalyzed in the standard terms
by using standard way of analysis.

Understanding

The way of Abstraction is standardized andused consistently for any problem.

ProblemAnalysis= Abstraction

Implications of the New Scheme (2) Idea generation
Traditional paradigm: (TRIZ and generally S&T)
Presenting a few (Inventive) Principles
together with application examples==> (Enforce) analogical thinking

New Paradigm with USIT:(In theory)

Apply USIT Operators
one after another in the abstract level(In practice)

Already generated in the brain
during the analysis stage

List them up andbuild into a tree structure.
(Can be done smoothly)..

AnalogyComparisons (3) Solution space
TRIZ Traditional:
Seeks for one best inventive solution
without seeing the whole solution space

New Paradigm with USIT:
Build up a map of solution space.
Ideal (Abstract) goal

In the analysis stage (Particles Method)
A tree diagram of desirable actions
In the idea generation and solution building stages(Solution Generalization Method (a USIT Operator))

A hierarchical system of possible solutions==> Multiple solutions, practical and inventive...

Comparisons (4) Relation to the Real WorldTRIZ Traditional:
Not clearly stated

New Paradigm with USIT:
Thinking
World

Problem Definition in the Real World
Analysis and Conceptual Solutionsin the Thinking World
Definition

Implementing a specific solution
in the Real World

Implementation

Real
World

Implications of the New Scheme (3) Ideal expert
Solution

TRIZ Traditional:

TRIZ
Expertan almighty inventor
an almighty contract researcher
in any technology field

ProblemEngineers

New Paradigm with USIT:
a guiding assistant of engineers
to help engineers think and solve

Solutionswork together with engineers in any field
Engineers
can achieve much morethan he/she can do alone
and than the engineers can do without USIT.
==> practical and suitable for wider penetration

USIT
ExpertComparisons (6) Basis of Capability
TRIZ Traditional:
Huge accumulation of techniques and knowledge
Handbooks and software tools are indispensable.

New Paradigm with USIT:
Understanding how to thinkin the standard methodsof problem solving

Handbooks
Textbooks

Software

How to thinkin the standard
way

Need to be trained in group practices.
Handbooks and software tools
are only a part of supporting tools.

Textbooks Handbooks
Software