The most general description of the problem solving approach is Triz is shown in the following diagram:



This diagram is meant to show that traditionally we try to go directly from a perceived problem to solutions via Brainstorming (or similar approaches). With Triz, we use Functional Analysis and Analogy to transform the problem to a Standard form and then apply Standard Solutions.

There are several categories of Standard Problems. For Technical Contradictions, there are the 39 Standard Features. Technical Contradictions can also be shown by Functional Analysis as standard combinations of Useful and Harmful functions. Contradicitons and Incomplete systems can be expressed as Substance-Field diagrams (Su-Fields). There are also proscribed verbal forms for Technical and most especially Physical Contradictions (using opposite statements, or negations).

Along with the Standard Problems there are Standard Solutions, such as the Technical Contradiction matrix and the 76 Standards for resolving Su-Field problems. But probably the most powerful are the Separation techniques for Physical Contradictions. ("Most powerful" is subject to debate--the claim appears in much of the Russian TRIZ literature, but the only quantitative study showed that the solutions produced starting from Physical Contradictions and from Technical Contradictions are at the same level, and those solved both ways are at a higher level. The study was on a small sample, and it is possible that only the most interesting problems were solved both ways, so this is regarded as inconclusive.)