TRIZ and Systems Engineering

Seems anytime I begin to talk about patterns and systems engineering, someone in the audience will ask me if I have looked at TRIZ (pronounced Trees). While I am aware of what TRIZ is, I have never really done an indepth look at what it could offer - until now. TRIZ is an approach to inventive problem solving - that is to say, it is a methodology with 40 principles to help the inventor invent something new to address a problem. Sounds like a similar selling point for patterns - a collection of proven approaches to solving a problem, that might be useful in solving a similar problem. So now I have begun looking at TRIZ deeper to see what it offers. I have found two books that seem to be pretty good at helping one learn TRIZ, without attending a dedicated seminar. The first was written by the inventor of TRIZ, Genrich Altshuller, and has been translated into english (did I mention this was invented by a Russian?). First published in 1997, and updated in 2005, it is simply titled "40 Principles". The second book caught my attention because I am a fan of Da Vinci. The book is "Da Vinci and the 40 Answers". While both look like "lightweight" books, both require thought - real thought - to understand the approach. However, I firmly believe this is worth the effort. I will keep you posted. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Altshuller Institute, as they are a wealth of information, including a monthly eJournal.