Hi, Cass--I agree. One of the powerful TRIZ tools is the use of existing resources that are in or near the "problem" to solve the problem, and a systematic way of looking at the resources (which include information, energy, business models, etc., not just "stuff.")

In the examples you mentioned, people were using their knowledge of the limitations as resources--If you don't have a lot of square feet for a warehouse, use cubic feet. If you don't have the capability to do something yourself, see if a supplier could do it, or (really radical) if the customer could do it.

Ellen- very illustrative comment on the use of resources near the problem.
Any examples that can be shared, on the appliaction of this principle will make it even better

What's interesting to me - in addition to the individual examples of people using their knowledge of the limitations as resources - is the idea that once someone innovates around a limitation, that innovation becomes a best practice that everyone can pull from. Not necessarily to overcome a limitation, but to optimize. A truly world class organization would be aware of what's going on around it, then borrow from and implement the best of each.

Dear Cass!

I was browsing through your website and exploring your thoughts on Creativity and Innovation. I felt that your company has some wonderful ideas on Innovation that are both interesting and insightful.



I am an Innovation Research Assistant at The DeSai Group- a consulting firm that focuses on the domains of Strategy-Driven Innovation™, Leadership, Learning and Execution capabilities for continuous growth and optimal business results.



I would like to take the liberty to welcome you to our “Community of Friends” at the DeSai Group. We look forward to inviting you in on-going research and collaborative conversations. At the moment, we are piloting an Organizational Readiness Assessment on Innovation. We would be grateful if you are willing to take this 45-question inventory to help us through the final stages of validation. I would be happy to send you the results and go over them if you wish. Please be assured that all of your data and results will be strictly confidential. Here is the link to the assessment: http://www.desai.com/irsurvey/survey/default.asp



Thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.



Best Regards,



Yauhan Mehta

Innovation Research Assistant

ymehta@desai.com / (860)-233-0011 x818

The DeSai Group: http://www.desai.com

Blog & Downloads: http://www.strategydriveninnovation.com

Ellen Domb and Class Pursell:

("One of the powerful TRIZ tools is the use of existing resources that are in or near the "problem" to solve the problem, and a systematic way of looking at the resources (which include information, energy, business models, etc., not just "stuff." :Elen)

I agree. Infact while teaching my class on Metallurgical Engineering Design , I happen to illustrate how a no-passe situation in designing may be resolved by changing one's focus on to basics. These basics were actually Energy, Environment, and Ethics. The intent of Resource conservation ofcourse facilitates the design improvement ( read innovation) process , but it ultimately merges within Environmental consciousness.
I would seek an opportunity to mention/ elaborate on the examples I used where such an alignment helped, and they were worthwhile innovations resulting from such indulgences.

Priyavrat Thareja
www.thareja.com