Updating the Contradiction Matrix

Although the classical Contradiction Matrix remains a conceptually very important element of the TRIZ toolkit, its age often means that users have difficulty using it successfully across a wide range of modern-day problem settings. The paper discusses a systematic programme of patent and science based research that has culminated in the production of a range of new Matrices. In particular, the paper discusses the creation of a new generic Matrix aimed at technical applications. This new Matrix updates both the form and content of the original Matrix by updating and expanding the list of parameters it contains, updating and increasing the Inventive Principle recommendations for each contradiction, and also making it easier for users to connect their specific problem to the generic framework. In the first area, the paper describes how the original list of 39 parameters has now been increased to 50 following extensive discussions with the user community. The paper also discusses the creation of a number of company and industry-specific Matrix tools based on the mass of research data collected. In keeping with the rapidly growing interest in applying TRIZ principles in the software industry, the paper describes a Matrix specifically aimed at this application area. The paper concludes with a description of a number of real case study examples showing how the new Matrix forms compares relative to the performance of the classic Matrix in terms of quality of generated solution directions