TRIZ Examples from Catalogs
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With confidentiality agreements in place with most clients, it is frequently difficult to show detailed examples of problems solved or products developed with TRIZ techniques. In our workshops, in addition to using examples that we are free to discuss, we use an interesting technique you might try yourself as an idea stimulator.

When you fly, you probably glance at the Skymall catalog in the seat jacket in front of you, but probably rarely order something from it or take it home. We use it as part of our workshops to illustrate many of the basic TRIZ principles in a way that is obvious. People do wonder about us when we're "stealing" all the Skymall catalogs we can get our hands on prior to deplaning! Popular Science's reviews of new products is another great source of examples.

Take some recent examples:

• A Swiss Army knife with a 1GB MP3 player (added complexity and functionality) which is removable (separation in time and condition)
• Traveling alarm clock with embedded picture images (added useful complexity as well as field evolution)
• Shoes with embedded springs (dynamism, more ideal)
• Car seat and stroller combo (added useful complexity)
• Laser guided pool cue (field evolution line)
• Alarm clocks that both move further away after being shut off the first time as well as ones that slowly raise the light level in the room (dynamism)
• Exercise equipment finding ways to become even more dynamic!
• Toasters with adjustable slots for toast and bagels (dynamism, more ideal)
• Pens that are MP3 players, recorders, pointers, and rechargeable from a USB port (adding useful complexity, using resources, field evolution)
• Cat Genie scratch box ($300!!!), does everything except shoot the cat (ideal result and complexity, depending upon whether you're a cat or dog lover)
• Closet organizing systems galore (separation in space)
• License plates with scrolling and changeable (with a remote!) personalized message (ideality, dynamism, separation upon condition, in time)
• Squid power strip (separation in space)
• "Electronic" candles (field evolution)

On your next trip, take the Skymall catalog with you and use it to demonstrate the use of TRIZ principles in everyday products that people understand and can relate to.