Colloquium started with greeting from colloquium participants to the Conference of TRIZ practitioners that has opened the same day in Moscow. This greeting was prepared by Naum Feygenson.

Len Kaplan prepared the main topic to discuss during the colloquium: new approach to analysis and resolution of contradictions.  The presentation was based on Len Kaplan’s TRIZ Master thesis successfully defended this year. Len Kaplan mentioned that “contradiction is the most contradictive notion in TRIZ,” and suggested his own definition of this notion: “Phenomenon caused by feeling that problem is unsolvable.”  Based on this definition, he considered in detail the hypothesis that was for a long known among TRIZ specialists: the mechanism of occurrence of contradiction is in unconscious, “by default” introduction of unsubstantiated limitations into the understanding of problem situation.  These limitations prevent us from thinking in directions where we could find the solutions.  Hence, the contradiction can be resolved only if we find and remove these limitations.  Len suggested the list of typical limitations as a tool for revealing of latent limitations.  Unfortunately, this list seems to be too long, more than 400 limitations.  Len, however, promised to develop a new structure of this list based on “frequency” of use of limitations; this approach might provide the opportunity to simplify the analytical work. The suggested approach had been illustrated by real case studies solved by Len Kaplan. Len also suggested the iterative fractal approach of contradiction resolving.  This approach deals in the same algorithmic way with different components of contradiction. Questions from participants were asked during the presentation, and continued about two hours after presentation had been finished.  Main discussion ran around “unusual” definition of contradiction, as well as around visible difficulties of use of suggested approach.  Discussion was very emotional, questions were “straight to the point,” and that showed high interest of participants to the discussed topic. Alex Bystritskiy concluded the discussion with elegant explanation of suggested approach in boundaries of Theory of Decision-Making. Discussion continued even during the dinner in the restaurant. 
Since questions and discussion went far beyond the boundaries of presentation, Len promised to present his view at other aspects of the “most contradictive notion in TRIZ” in his next presentation.
Participants highly appreciated Dr. Song’s support of colloquium.

Photo: courtesy of Gennady Kizevich.