Exploring TRIZ and Design Sprint: Two Problem-Solving Approaches in the Digital World

I recently had the opportunity to speak with a problem-solving expert at one of the conferences we attended. The TRIZ approach to tackling innovative challenges was one of the subjects of our fascinating chat. I was new to this one, so I had to do some reading and compare TRIZ with a decision-making approach, the Google Design Sprint, which I am familiar with.
While both systems strive to provide logical platforms for defining solutions and making decisions, their techniques and capabilities are distinct. In this post, we will look at the fundamentals of these problem-solving frameworks and discuss their benefits and drawbacks.

An Overview of the TRIZ System:
The TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) system was developed in the Soviet Union as a complete problem-solving methodology. It is based on the idea that there are universal principles behind imaginative solutions. The TRIZ system seeks to discover new solutions and conquer technological hurdles by systematically examining problems and applying inventive ideas. Though the TRIZ method is too complex for this essay, it provides an organized approach to problem resolution that has found applicability in various industries.

Genrikh Saulovich Altshuller the inventor of TRIZ

Google Ventures’ Design Sprint Process: Key Aspects:
Google Ventures’ Design Sprint technique is a collaborative and time-constrained approach to issue resolution. It brings together cross-functional teams to tackle complicated problems and move quickly. Participants in a Design Sprint adhere to a five-day structure that involves understanding the challenge, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Using user feedback and iteration, this process enables teams to evaluate concepts and make educated decisions swiftly. The Design Sprint process has gained popularity for its ability to facilitate product creation while lowering risk.
Advantages and disadvantages:
The TRIZ System:
While a complete examination of the TRIZ system’s advantages and drawbacks is beyond the scope of this article, it is worth highlighting some potential strengths and challenges. The systematic approach of the TRIZ method and its emphasis on innovative concepts can assist teams in discovering novel solutions and overcoming technological challenges. However, its intricacy and need for knowledge may pose difficulties for novices or teams with limited experience with the methodology.
The Design Sprint Process at Google Ventures:
In terms of problem-solving, the Design Sprint process has various advantages. It encourages collaboration by bringing together different points of view and skills. The process’s time constraints stimulate concentrated decision-making and efficient development. Design Sprints assist in ensuring that final solutions match consumer needs by including users early in the process. On the other hand, the short schedule may limit the depth of study, and certain complicated situations may necessitate further iterations beyond the five-day framework.

Jake Knapp is the inventor of the Design Sprint

Conclusion: The TRIZ method and Google Ventures’ Design Sprint process provide practical problem-solving approaches in the IT industry and digital product design and development fields. The TRIZ approach emphasizes innovative principles and systematic analysis, whereas the Design Sprint process encourages quick decisions and teamwork. Understanding each approach’s strengths and limits enables organizations to select the methodology that best meets their goals and context, fostering creativity and successful digital problem-solving.
Are you acquainted with both systems? Should we consider combining the two?