TRIZ Methodology for Participatory Democracy
Introduction
TRIZ (Russian: Теория Решения Изобретательских Задач, "Theory of Inventive Problem Solving") is a systematic methodology for innovation and creative problem-solving. Originally developed for engineering challenges, we adapt it here for resolving contradictions in participatory democracy and public policy.
Core Philosophy
The TRIZ Worldview
-
Contradictions are the source of problems
- Every significant problem contains a contradiction
- Solving the contradiction = solving the problem
-
Contradictions can be resolved, not just traded off
- Traditional thinking: compromise (improve A by sacrificing B)
- TRIZ thinking: transcend (improve A AND preserve B)
-
Innovation patterns are repeatable
- Most inventive solutions follow recognizable patterns
- These patterns can be learned and applied systematically
The Ideal Final Result (IFR)
"The ideal system is one that doesn't exist, but its function is performed."
This means:
- Maximum benefit with minimum resources
- The problem solves itself
- No trade-offs, no side effects
Types of Contradictions
Technical Contradictions
Definition: Improving one aspect of a system leads to deterioration of another aspect.
IF we [action to improve Parameter A]
THEN [Parameter A improves]
BUT [Parameter B deteriorates]
Examples in Democracy:
| Improvement | Deterioration |
|---|---|
| Increase public participation | Increase decision-making time |
| Preserve heritage buildings | Limit urban development |
| More transparency | Privacy concerns |
Physical Contradictions
Definition: A single element must simultaneously have opposite properties.
Element X must be [Property A] to achieve [Function 1]
AND
Element X must be [NOT Property A] to achieve [Function 2]
Examples:
| Element | Must be... | And also... |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | Anonymous (honest) | Identified (accountable) |
| Policy | Flexible (adaptive) | Consistent (fair) |
| Meeting | Long (thorough) | Short (efficient) |
Resolving Physical Contradictions
TRIZ offers four separation principles:
- Separation in Time - Property A at time T1, Property B at time T2
- Separation in Space - Property A in location L1, Property B in location L2
- Separation in Scale - Property A at macro level, Property B at micro level
- Separation by Condition - Property A under condition C1, Property B under condition C2
Application to Audierne2026
Key Contradiction Categories
1. Resource Constraint vs. Ambition
Keywords: budget, coût, financement, moyens, ressources
Resolution strategies:
- Phased implementation plans
- Resource-sharing between projects
- Volunteer and community contributions
- Multi-purpose investments
2. Participation vs. Efficiency
Keywords: consultation, participation, rapidité, efficacité, délai
Resolution strategies:
- Ongoing input rather than one-time consultations
- Parallel working groups
- Digital tools for processing
- Reuse successful formats
3. Preservation vs. Development
Keywords: patrimoine, préservation, développement, modernisation
Resolution strategies:
- Heritage as development asset
- Adaptive reuse of buildings
- Modern within historic shell
- Different rules for different zones
4. Individual vs. Collective
Keywords: individuel, collectif, communauté, personnel
Resolution strategies:
- Clear boundaries between domains
- Opt-in/opt-out mechanisms
- Cooperative ownership models
- Mixed public-private solutions
5. Local vs. External
Keywords: local, extérieur, tourisme, habitants, résidents
Resolution strategies:
- Seasonal differentiation
- Resident priority in key areas
- Flexible policies by context
- Different layers of access
Resources
Primary Sources
- Altshuller, G. (1984). And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared: TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
- MATRIZ Knowledge Base
- TRIZ40 Interactive Matrix
- Liberating Structures: TRIZ Method
"The ideal machine has no mass, no volume, requires no energy... and still performs its function." — Genrich Altshuller