These principles were developed by G. Altshuller on the basis of analysis of fantasy and fantastic literature. The usual exercise in TRIZ courses is to challenge the student to try to invent any fantastic animal or try to invent a new natural phenomenon like rain, snow and so on, using the Fantogramm . Your space ship comes near an unknown planet. The planet is closed by silver clouds. Giving to the automatic stations specific programs of research the space ship team has to find this x-factor with minimum attempts.
Teacher plays for the planet and students for the space ship team.
During this game student loses station after station trying to find out what is this factor. It is your business to find out why - answers teacher. G. Altshuller was able. For less talented teacher the optimal strategy is to send station step by step. The Snow Ball Method.