The characteristics of a given technological system change in a predictable manner as it evolves and matures over time. The primitive subsystems with different life cycles hold back the evolution of the total system. The system becomes more dynamic and controllable. The system at first increases in complexity, then becomes simpler as a result of integration. Assemblies are originally made of uncoordinated parts, followed by integrated designs, culminated by parts whose characteristics are changeable upon demand.
Human involvement decreases with increasing automation.
Any system becomes a subsystem of more general system that is more close to the ideal system These rules can be used to develop patents for future technology before one's competitors, as well as to protect the inventor from the common mistake of focusing on correcting the wrong subsystem. As an example of the use of these rules, Altshuller correctly predicted the future of flat glass manufacturing. The process at the time was to pass hot glass through a series of rollers. The glass tended to sag between the rollers, resulting in waviness in the final product. As a system evolves, it should become more nearly perfect, so that its ability to satisfy human needs increases while its cost decreases.