Product Innovation Design through Integrated TRIZ-HCD Methodological Approach
Authors: Li Qingchen , Li Yajun , Wu Tianyu , Zhao Yiqian 
Published: June 2024

This research investigates innovative methodologies in product design, focusing on enhancing usability and customer satisfaction through the integration of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) and Human-Centered Design (HCD).Product design is a continual process aimed at meeting and improving both product functionality and user needs. The innovative aspect of this research lies in the organic integration of TRIZ with HCD, initiating the design process from a human-centric perspective.TRIZ theory, renowned for its effectiveness in innovation and invention, is employed to tackle these challenges.It does so by utilizing its set of 40 inventive principles to craft design solutions that not only address these challenges but also advance product innovation. And the HCD principles, user needs are effectively transformed into design challenges, facilitating clearer problem definition. Consequently, the integration of TRIZ and HCD emerges as a potent tool in the realm of product design, effectively harmonizing technical problem-solving with user-centric design considerations.Accurate identification and fulfillment of user needs are crucial for successful product design. While TRIZ offers a structured approach focused on technical and engineering problem-solving, facilitating systemic innovation, it may fall short in addressing the nuances of user needs and experiences. Conversely, HCD focuses on analyzing user requirements and experiences but may lack strategies for complex technical challenges.Addressing these gaps, the paper proposes a novel product design methodology that synergizes TRIZ’s logical and systemic problem-solving framework with the insights into user needs afforded by HCD.This fusion is designed to surmount the inherent limitations of each approach, aiming for holistic optimization in product design.A detailed case study of a capsule heater design showcases how TRIZ’s methodical problem-solving capabilities can be seamlessly integrated with the user-centric philosophy of HCD, adeptly balancing technical and user-based design challenges.The study highlights the importance of this integrated methodological approach in industrial design, especially in addressing complex user requirements and navigating market challenges.Acknowledging its limitations, this study recognizes the need for contextual adaptation when applying the TRIZ-HCD integration across different product types and market conditions.In future research, we aim to expand the scope by integrating additional design theories and methods to construct a more comprehensive design model, capable of addressing a broader spectrum of design challenges. Furthermore, while the current case study primarily focuses on the improvement of existing market products, subsequent in-depth studies will explore the application of this refined methodology to the innovative design of new products, assessing its adaptability across diverse cultural and economic landscapes.In conclusion, this research contributes to enhancing product usability and customer satisfaction, providing valuable theoretical and practical insights for ongoing and future applications in industrial design.