morphological-analysis-triz

What this skill does

# Morphological Analysis & TRIZ

## Workflow

Copy this checklist:

```
Morphological Analysis & TRIZ Progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Define problem and objectives
- [ ] Step 2: Choose method (MA, TRIZ, or both)
- [ ] Step 3: Build morphological box (if MA)
- [ ] Step 4: Identify contradictions (if TRIZ)
- [ ] Step 5: Apply TRIZ principles
- [ ] Step 6: Evaluate and select solutions
```

**Step 1: Define problem and objectives**

Clarify problem statement, key objectives, constraints (cost, size, time, materials), and success criteria.

**Step 2: Choose method**

- **Morphological Analysis:** 3-7 clear parameters, each with 2-5 options, goal is comprehensive exploration
- **TRIZ:** Clear contradiction (improving A worsens B), need inventive breakthrough
- **Both:** Complex system with parameters AND contradictions

**Step 3: Build morphological box (if using MA)**

1. Identify 3-7 independent parameters (changing one doesn't force another)
2. List 2-5 distinct options per parameter
3. Create parameter × option matrix

See [resources/template.md](resources/template.md) for structure.

**Step 4: Identify contradictions (if using TRIZ)**

State clearly:
- **Improving parameter:** What to increase?
- **Worsening parameter:** What degrades?
- Look up in TRIZ contradiction matrix

See [resources/template.md](resources/template.md) for 39 TRIZ parameters and contradiction matrix.

**Step 5: Apply TRIZ principles**

1. Review 3-4 principles recommended by matrix
2. Brainstorm applications of each principle
3. Generate solution concepts
4. Combine principles for stronger solutions

See [resources/template.md](resources/template.md) for all 40 principles.

For advanced techniques, see [resources/methodology.md](resources/methodology.md).

**Step 6: Evaluate and select**

**Morphological:** Identify promising combinations, eliminate infeasible, score on objectives, select top 3-5

**TRIZ:** Assess contradiction resolution, check side effects, estimate difficulty, select most promising

Use [resources/evaluators/rubric_morphological_analysis_triz.json](resources/evaluators/rubric_morphological_analysis_triz.json) for quality criteria.

## Common Patterns

### Typical Parameters (Examples)

**Physical Products:** Materials, power source, form factor, control interface, manufacturing method
**Software:** Architecture, data storage, UI, deployment, authentication
**Services:** Delivery channel, pricing model, timing, customization, support level
**Processes:** Automation level, batch size, quality control, scheduling, location

### Common Contradictions

| Improving ↑ | Worsens ↓ | Example TRIZ Principles |
|-------------|-----------|------------------------|
| Speed | Precision | Segmentation, Periodic action |
| Strength | Weight | Anti-weight, Composite materials |
| Reliability | Complexity | Segmentation, Beforehand cushioning |
| Functionality | Ease of use | Segmentation, Universality |
| Capacity | Size | Nesting, Another dimension |

**Full principles list:** See [resources/template.md](resources/template.md) for all 40.

### When to Combine MA + TRIZ

1. Build morphological box → Find promising configurations
2. Identify contradictions in top configurations
3. Apply TRIZ to resolve contradictions
4. Re-evaluate configurations with contradictions resolved

## Guardrails

**Morphological Analysis:**
- **Limit parameters:** 3-7 parameters (too few = incomplete, too many = explosion)
- **Ensure independence:** Changing one parameter shouldn't force changes in another
- **Manageable options:** 2-5 per parameter (practical range)
- **Don't enumerate all:** Focus on promising clusters

**TRIZ:**
- **Verify real contradiction:** Improving A truly worsens B (not just budget limit)
- **Adapt principles:** Use as metaphors, not literal prescriptions
- **Check new contradictions:** Solution may introduce new trade-offs
- **Combine principles:** Often need 2-3 together

**General:**
- Document rationale for parameters/options selected
- Iterate if first pass reveals missing dimensions
- Prototype top concepts - don't just analyze

## Quick Reference

**Resources:**
- `resources/template.md` - Morphological structure, TRIZ contradiction matrix, 40 principles
- `resources/methodology.md` - Advanced TRIZ (trends of evolution, substance-field, ARIZ algorithm)
- `resources/evaluators/rubric_morphological_analysis_triz.json` - Quality criteria

**Output:** `morphological-analysis-triz.md` with problem definition, morphological matrix (if used), contradictions, TRIZ principles applied, solution concepts, evaluation, selected solutions

**Success Criteria:**
- Parameters independent and essential (3-7 with 2-5 options each)
- Contradictions clearly stated (improving/worsening parameters)
- Multiple principles applied per contradiction
- Solutions are novel, feasible, address objectives
- Top 3-5 selected with rationale
- Score ≥ 3.5 on rubric

**Quick Decisions:**
- **Simple configuration?** → Morphological only
- **Clear contradiction?** → TRIZ only
- **Complex with trade-offs?** → Both methods
- **Unsure?** → Start TRIZ to identify contradictions, then build morphological box

**Common Mistakes:**
1. Too many parameters (>7 = explosion)
2. Dependent parameters (choosing A forces B)
3. Vague contradiction ("better vs cheaper" - be specific)
4. Literal TRIZ (principles are metaphors)
5. No evaluation (generate but don't filter)

**Examples:**

**Morphological (Portable Speaker):**
```
Power: Battery | Solar | Hybrid
Size: Pocket | Handheld | Tabletop
Audio: Mono | Stereo | Surround
Material: Plastic | Metal | Fabric
Control: Button | Touch | Voice | App
Result: 3×3×3×4×4 = 432 configs → Evaluate top 10
```

**TRIZ (Electric Vehicle Range):**
```
Contradiction: Increase range → worsens cost (battery expensive)
Principles: #6 (Universality - battery is structure), #35 (Parameter change - new chemistry)
Solution: Structural battery pack + high energy density cells
```

**Combined:**
```
Build morphological box for EV architecture → Top config has range/cost contradiction → Apply TRIZ Universality principle → Structural battery resolves both range and cost
```

---

**For detailed principle explanations, contradiction matrix, advanced techniques (substance-field analysis, ARIZ, trends of evolution), and software/service adaptation, see [resources/template.md](resources/template.md) and [resources/methodology.md](resources/methodology.md).**