This is a question we ask in DaVinci and the 40 Answers, a class taught at Wizard Academy. The idea behind the class comes from a Russian inventor’s “Theory of Problem Solving,” called TRIZ.
The theory was developed by Russian inventor and science fiction author Genrich Altshuller. He proposed that there are only 40 possible solutions, or “lenses,” to any problem. His insight was based on a pattern he noticed while approving patents in Russia.
No matter the solution or invention, it was always a product of one of these 40 fundamental problem-solving principles. How is that possible?
Let’s just say they’re very large umbrellas.
Problem: How do you take a one-mile-long metal vehicle and make it turn to navigate through a city?
Answer: Lens 1, Segmentation. That’s the same principle that makes an assembly line in a production facility work.
Problem: How do you handle budgets and raises when your departments have different metrics, income streams, and pay scales? You adjust your calculations and reward systems asymmetrically to meet the needs of the moment.
Answer: Lens 4, Asymmetry. This principle describes changing something from symmetrical to asymmetrical.
At Wizard Academy, we have suggested that people tend to have “default” problem-solving lenses. When trying to fix or improve something, they naturally lean toward certain preferred approaches. When those default solutions don’t fit the situation, it can feel like you are facing an unsolvable problem.
What TRIZ teaches is a deliberate way to look at problems and methodically work through the possible answers. It is one of the best team workshop experiences you will ever have.
Mark Fox, one of our instructors and a former member of the Wizard Academy Board of Directors, literally wrote the book on it: DaVinci and the 40 Answers.
We are teaching the class again in October, and we would love to see you there.
Daniel Whittington – Chancellor
