I.

Restructuring of the Original Problem

The first three steps of ARIZ both analyze and transform the problem. We begin with simple schematics that
physically represent the initial system as we know it. The emphasis on "basic function" moves us to the "mini-
problem", a formulation and intensification of two conflicts, and keener insights as to the actual resources of the
system. The development of the Ideal Final Result and the Physical Contradiction positions us to come up with
concepts of solution for the second macro step "Removing the Physical Contradiction". Because the
reformulations and unique analysis prepares us for concept solution, this macro step can be thought of as the
"Plan" in the PDCA cycle.

Purpose of Part 1 "Analyze the System": Part 1 transitions you from your original problem statement
to a more "inventive" modification of your problem through the use of the "mini-problem" and the formation of the
"technical contradictions." Simple schematics of the system conflict help build a problem of the model in terms of
the conflict and basic function.

1.0 Analyze the System Notes

1.1 Perform an initial analysis by identifying:  It’s important to capture the "basic
function" of the system early in our
 the original problem as you know it analysis, since later problem
restatements rely on the "basic
 the "basic function" of the system
function", the main purpose of the
 the system and its components system, as a basis for decisions.
(subsystems)
 any supersystems
By defining both the "basic function" of the
 the environment system and the physical systems, themselves,
 Useful functions of the system we’ve begun describing the Functional Domain
 Harmful/excessive/insufficient functions of and the Physical Domain. Although Functional
the system Domain and Physical Domain are not ARIZ
terms, this distinction shows the strategy of the
ARIZ framework.

Draw a simple schematic and label the main parts A simple drawing is all that is initially needed for
establishing the Physical Domain.

1.2 Describe the "mini-problem". Note: In Russian translations of ARIZ, "mini"

This directs our efforts towards our first step in means "minimal" because ARIZ want you to
approaching Ideality since "everything in the system describe your original problem in terms that
remains the same, and the required function is ensure "minimal changes to the system."
realized with minimal changes

1.3 State the System Conflict in two ways. You will have Note: You may ask, "Why form two
two versions of a technical contradiction stated in contradictions?" We form two contradictions at
opposite ways: this time because we do not know, until later,
which contradiction is best suited for the basic
function of the problem.
 Conflict 1: by trying to eliminate/decrease
the harmful action, the useful action is The two forms of the technical contradiction are
lessened sometimes referred to as:
 Conflict 2: by trying to improve the useful
action, the harmful action is increased  EC-1 and EC-2 (Engineering
Contradiction 1 and 2)
 TC-1 and TC-2 (Technical
Contradiction 1 and 2)

Both of the above terms are synonymous

1.4 Intensify the Conflict: Note: Why do we intensify the conflict? After all,
don’t we have enough work, already?
"Intensifying the conflict" accomplishes two
 Intensified Conflict 1: the harmful action is
things:
completely eliminated, but the useful action
 is not performed at all.
 Intensified Conflict 2: the useful action is 1. It gives the problem solver a better
completely performed, but the harmful action quality of solution
is the worst it can be. 2. The solution, itself, can be applied to
more versions of the problem, since
the problem is solved more completely
in the extremes.

1.5 Select which intensified conflict version is best for the Note: Although one of the two conflicts is
basic function. selected (Conflict 1 or Conflict 2), save both
Again, we go back to the "basic function" for making versions of the conflict. We may need to revisit
our decision. Waiting until we’ve intensified the the intensified conflict version that we did not
conflict, before deciding which form of the conflict to initially chose.
chose, ensures a higher degree of Ideality for solving
the problem in terms of its basic function.

1.6 Draw the model of the intensified conflict Note: This drawing will most likely be far
simpler than you original models or drawings of
the conflict.
Purpose of Part 2 "Analyze the Resources": Part 2 looks at where the selected conflict
is taking place (Operating Zone), the periods of time when the conflict is happening
(Operating Time) and the objects and energy of the system (substances and fields).
By analyzing the resources (space, time, substances and fields), the problem gets
ready for dealing with the upcoming Physical Contradiction and how it can later use
the resources of the system, components, supersystem and the environment.

2.0 Analyze the Resources Notes

2.1 Describe the Operation Zone (space). Note: Zone 1 and Zone 2 may be completely
Diagram in terms of separate or overlapping. Make sure your simple
picture shows the overlap.

 Zone 1 is the zone of the useful action.

Specify what is in Zone 1. What component
or subsystem is in the picture? Draw a
simple picture that includes these items in
Zone 1.
 Zone 2 is the zone of the harmful action.
Specify what is in Zone 2. Again, what’s in
Zone 2? Draw a simple picture that includes
the items in Zone 2.
 Describe the Operating Time (time). Note: Consider "before", "during" (Period 1 and
Diagram in terms of Period 2), and "after" time periods. These are
sometimes referred to as T1, T2, and T3,
2.2 respectively.
 Period 1 is the time of one of the conflicting
Period1/Period2
requirement.
 Period 2 is the time of the other one of the
conflicting requirement. T1-Before T2 - During T3-After
<---------> <---------> <--------->

2.3 List the internal and external resource of the system Note: In your initial drawing/schematic of your
and its environment. This includes both Substances and problem, you probably did not include all the
Fields connected with the list below: resources. This step allows for a "sanity check" to
"reacquaint" yourself with the problem, in case
some resource of the system and its environment
 Internal
were overlooked.
"Time" and "Space" are also resources. These
the tool have been identified within the "Operating Time"
and the "Operating Zone", already. It is sometimes
the object of the harmful action helpful to beginner practitioners of ARIZ to list
these resources, again.
the object of the useful action
To summarize, there are:
other system objects
 Substance resources (internal and
 External external)
 Field resources (internal and external)
the Environment  Time resources
 Space resources
the Supersystem

by-products

waste products
Purpose of Part 3: "Define the Ideal Final Result and Formulate the Physical
Contradiction": Part 3 positions the problem to be solved at its highest level by
stating the conflict in terms of conflicting requirements of the same parameter. This is
the Physical Contradiction. Also, determined in Part 3 is the Ideal Final Result. This
directs and narrows the problem domain so that resources are precisely used and the
whole system is targeted.

3.0 Define the Ideal Final Result and Formulate the Notes
Physical Contradiction

3.1 State the initial Ideal Final Result (IFR-1).

The initial Ideal Final Result is stated in terms of: In this "template" for stating the IFR-1, the
following items should be filled in:
"The ‘Resource’ will eliminate the …(negative effect
) within the Operating Zone during the Operating  the "Resource" (this resource is
Time without complicating the system while unknown, at this time. Keep this as a
performing the …(positive effect )." placeholder for the next step)
 the negative effect (as identified in
the conflict)
 the positive effect (as identified in the
conflict)

3.2 Reinforce the IFR by trying out different statements of Note: You may be tempted to introduce "new
the IFR. Substitute any one of the following for the stuff" into the system. Don’t! Otherwise, you’ll
 "Resource": be missing the importance of using ARIZ. By
using the internal and external resources
specified in Part 2, you can simultaneously see
 the tool
changes in the subsystem, supersystem, and
 the object(s) system as you try out different substitutions for
 the system the "Resource" for the IFR-1.
 the environment
 the supersystem

3.3 Define the Physical Contradiction on the Macro Note: You will have TWO Physical
Level. Contradictions on a macro level. One will be for
The Physical Contradiction must take place during the Conflict 1 and one will be for Conflict 2.
Operating Time and within the Operating Zone. The macro level is normally at an upper level
system/component or field level.

3.4 Define the Physical Contradiction on a Micro Level. Note: It may be that your problem does not
The Physical Contradiction must take place during the have a Micro Level Physical Contradiction. If
Operating Time and within the Operating Zone, this is the case, the problem must be solved on
having both opposing physical conditions/actions a Macro Level
stated in terms of particle conditions/action. Again, you will be have TWO versions of the
Physical Contradiction on a micro level.
Sometimes, it is not possible to manipulate the
problem on a Macro Level. The "heuristic power" that Something changes when we make the
comes through when looking at the problem at a components infinitely small. Two things happen:
Micro Level is extremely effective for overcoming the
Physical Contradiction. We call it "micro" because the
 We see interactions that were
resource will be described in terms of "particles". It
previously missed. "Molecule by
really doesn’t matter what we call them (atoms,
molecule" may interact differently than
molecules, particles, etc).
"Component by component".
 "Same old way" thinking or
psychological inertia is further
eliminated because there is no
remnant of jargon or vocabulary that
attaches us to familiar solutions.

3.5 Refine the Ideal Final Result (IFR-2). Note: Formulate several version of the IFR-2.
Based upon either the Macro Level Physical Minimally, you could have six different versions
Contradiction or the Micro Level Physical of the IFR-2 to "play" with.
Contradiction, the IFR-2 can be stated as:

 During the Operating Time, the

Resource,… (specify either tool, object(s),
product, system, environment, supersystem)
must provide on its own the …(specify the
physical state or action of the particles) and
has to provide …(specify the opposite
physical state or action of the particles).

3.6 Apply S-field analysis and Standard Solutions. Note: We recommend, that even with a good
It is usually at the end of Part 3.0 that a solution is concept of solution in hand at the end of Part
found because the refined IFR-2 makes the problem 3.0, continue through Part 4.0. You’ll have an
and its solution very clear. You can then continue to even better idea of what you have in your
Part 7.0. solution.
Notice that "apply S-field analysis and Standard
If a solution is not found after Part 3.0, then continue Solutions" occurs several times throughout
to Part 4.0. ARIZ. The diagramming, analysis, and models
are continually used in reformulating the
problem and evolving a concept of solution.
II. Removing the Physical Contradiction (Attachments 5-7)

The next three steps are three opportunities to arrive at concepts of solution for the
problem. The removal of the Physical Contradiction elegantly lends itself to an
uncompromised solution. However, if we still cannot remove the Physical
Contradiction after Part 4.0 "Separate the Physical Contradiction", then we must move
into Part 5.0 "Apply the Knowledge Base of Effects, Standards, and Principles". Still
again, if we cannot remove the Physical Contradiction after Part 5.0, perhaps we need
to proceed to Part 6.0 "Change the ‘Mini-Problem’". Because we are actively coming
to solution through the repeated efforts to remove the Physical Contradiction, this
macro step becomes the "Do" in a PDCA cycle.

Purpose of Part 4: "Separate the Physical Contradiction": Part 4 separates the

physical contradiction in order to eliminate it. The technique of "Smart Little People"
enables a different view on utilizing resources in order to minimize changes in the
system and its respective cost. If a solution is found at this time, go to Parts 7
"Review the Solution and Analyze the Removal of the Physical Contradiction." If no
solution is evident, continue with Part 5 .
 4.0 Separate the Physical Contradiction Notes

4.1 Apply the Four Principles for Overcoming Physical Note: Refer back to Part 2.0 for the Operating
Contradictions Time and Operating Zone.

 Separate the opposite physical states in

Time.
 Separate the opposite physical states in
Space.
 Separate the opposite physical states
between the system and its components.
 Have both opposite physical states coexist in
the same substance.

4.2 Apply S-field analysis and Standard Solutions Note: Actually, you have been performing a
type of "guided" S-field analysis throughout
ARIZ. Specifically, you would apply actual
Standard solution models at this time. It is
beyond the scope of this writing to list and
describe the Standard solutions. Refer to the
Bibliography for detailed information on S-field
analysis and Standard Solutions.

4.3 Use the technique of "Smart Little People" to your Note: Although this is a "Synectics-like"
problem. approach, it is a profoundly technical method of
Think of the "particles" that you used at the Micro applying analogy to scientific problems.
Level as being dynamic and able to take action. If you Examples of the application of "dynamic
thought of yourself as a piece of the problem (a particles" have been used by historical figures
common approach in other methods), you might be such as Maxwell and Bohr.
restricting the solutions (would you like to be pulled
apart, or heated to a high temperature?).

But if you had infinite numbers of "Smart Little

People" who could "be the particles" and react to
opposite physical states and actions (and never be
upset!) you would have "smart particles" who could
see, understand and be capable of performing the
necessary actions.

In essence, "Smart Little People" is a technique that

uses the power of "empathy" at a microlevel with
none of its shortcomings.

4.4 "Step back" from the IFR-2. Note: This is also referred to as "One Step
Sometimes a little further prompting of the solution is Back".
necessary by : Although this "tinkering" with the problem seems
like heresy, this forms a simple problem that
may be easier to solve. Solving this simple
 slightly deteriorating the system
problem quite often provides a solution for your
 altering it somewhat initial problem.
 disassembling it.
Purpose of Part 5: "Apply the Knowledge Base": Part 5 steadily pursues solutions by
applying past solutions to similar problems and the rich base of principles, effects
and standard solutions.

5.0 Apply the Knowledge Base Notes

5.1 Apply previous solutions of successfully solved

problems that are similar to the IFR-2 in Step 3.0

5.2 Apply Scientific Effects Refer to sources of Scientific Effects.

Apply the 40 Principles

5.3 Apply the 40 Principles. Refer to sources of the 40 Principles.

5.4 Apply S-Field Analysis.

5.5 Apply Standard Solutions. If introduction of existing resources does not

work, try introducing derived resources.
Purpose of Part 6: "Change the "Base-line Version" of the problem: Sometimes, no
matter how well intentioned the problem solver is, the reformulated problems and
contradictions contain the limitations of psychological inertia. These limitations either
seem logical in the beginning, or they are so much part of the problem solvers
assumptions, that they go unnoticed. In any case, Part 6 offers several ways to revisit
both the problem and the conflict.

6.0 Change the Mini-Version of the Problem Notes

6.1 Revisit your conflict (Step 1 "Analyze the Conflict") Is it really one problem, or is it a combination of
two or more problems?

6.2 Chose the "other" version of the conflict. If you originally chose Conflict 1 to solve, go
back to Part 1 and chose Conflict 2 (or vice-
versa)

6.3 Reformulate another conflict after the "mini-problem"

6.4 If your problem is still "unsolved", reformulate the

"mini-problem"

6.5 If there still is no solution, restate the problem at the

level of the supersystem
III. Analyzing the Solution (Attachments 8-10)

In Part 7.0 "Review the Solution and Analyze the Removal of the Physical
Contradiction", we are simply asking ourselves "Did we really solve the problem? Did
we actually remove the Physical Contradiction?" This becomes the "Check" in the
PDCA cycle, while Part 8.0 "Develop Maximum Usage of the Solution" and Part 9.0 "
Review All the Stage in ARIZ in "Real Time" Application" are the "Apply" of the key
learnings in the specific ARIZ process.

Purpose of Part 7: "Review the Solution and Analyze the Removal of the Physical
Contradiction. Part 7 looks to see whether the physical contradiction has been
removed almost ideally. That is, no new additional extra substances or fields have
been introduced. The solution itself is evaluated to see how it fits the requirements of
the solution and of the system.

7.0 Review the Solution and Analyze the Removal Notes

of the Physical Contradiction

7.1 Review introduced substances and fields into the Have you solved the problem without any
system. additional substances or fields that were not
specified in resources from Part 2 ("Analyze the
Resources")? Two possibilities are:

 Try "modified resources" (this could be

the combination of two resources, or a
different phase of a resource)
 Introduce a "self-regulating" substance
(a substance that changes with the
environment)

7.2 Review the obtained solution.

 Does your solution satisfy the IFR?

 Does your solution actually remove the
Physical Contradiction?
 Can the solution be implemented in the real
world?
 If you can’t use the solution for satisfying the
entire problem, can you use the solution for
part of the system or cycles of the system?
 Are there any other problems as a result of
your solution?
Purpose of Part 8: Develop Maximum Usage of the Solution. Sometimes a solution is
much more than just a good solution for the system at hand. Part 8 asks questions
that help leverage the knowledge gained from the newly created concept.

8.0 Develop Maximum Usage of the Solution Notes

8.1 Specify what needs to be changed in the Supersystem This is especially necessary if you are dealing
for this solution. with a "discontinuous" technology.

8.2 Can the changed system (changed, due to your

solution) have new and different applications?

8.3 Can you solve other problems with this solution?

 Generalize the solution into a method

 Apply this new method to other problems
 State this method in an opposite way and
apply it to other problems
 How will this method change if the system
size moves towards zero or increases
towards infinity?
Purpose of Part 9: "Review all the Steps in ARIZ in "Real-Time" Application. Part 9
crystallizes the problem solvers "key learnings" in applying ARIZ. Essentially, this
step and Part 8 becomes the "Apply" in Plan-Do-Check-Apply in ARIZ. Part 9 is a
necessary step for both the novice and experienced practitioner of ARIZ.

9.0 Review all the Steps ARIZ in "Real-Time" Notes

Application

9.1 Review what your actual steps were in applying ARIZ. This becomes an excellent way to capture key
Write down any differences of the real sequences of learnings.
your steps compared with the prescribed steps of
ARIZ.

9.2 Note how the solution is different from other scientific The additional step of documenting
effects or standards solutions. uniqueness of your solution makes the
distinctions and "Ah-Ha’s" much clearer to
others.
 Specify what makes it different and why.

9.3 Add the solution to Your Knowledge Database.

 Add the solution to other Effects or examples

of a particular Effect.
 Add to other Standard Solutions.

Summary of ARIZ ARIZ is considered an advanced technique of TRIZ. It is NOT TRIZ,

but is an inclusive piece of TRIZ. It requires precise definitions of all parts of the
problem and iterative use of all the TRIZ problem solving methods as ARIZ moves you
back and forth from the Functional Domain and the Physical Domain at the
supersystem, the system, and the subsystem levels. This elegance of "guided"
problem reformulation thoroughly and elegantly defines functional requirements and
necessary physical parameters of solution concepts.

Although ARIZ is meant for complex problems, begin using ARIZ on more simple
problems for practice application. Notice the quality of solution you arrive at with
problem you thought you were very familiar with!