Contradiction-oriented exploration: A dual-track methodology combining OTSM–TRIZ and the Six-Box Scheme
Complex problems do not just ask for better answers; they ask for better ways of thinking. Accordingly, complex socio-technical design problems require integrated approaches that simultaneously address technical contradictions and human-centered processes. This study introduces contradiction-oriented exploration (COREX), a dual-track methodology designed to solve complex design problems involving both technical systems and human behavior. This approach combines two powerful tools: (i) The General Theory of Powerful Thinking–Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, which focuses on identifying and resolving system-level contradictions; and (ii) The Six-Box Scheme, which provides a user-centered, process-based framework for creative problem solving. By linking contradiction analysis with recursive exploration and real-world testing, this approach helps teams move from unclear user needs to structured innovations. The method was applied in a research and development setting focused on adaptive seat design. Participants followed a procedure that included problem modeling, contradiction identification, and inventive solution development. Results showed that COREX helped teams address design trade-offs more effectively than when using either method alone. The feedback cycles allowed for continuous improvement and system refinement. Overall, the methodology offers practical value for design teams working in emerging socio-technical domains by supporting both analytical thinking and creative ideation in an integrated process.
Altshuller, G.S. (1984). Creativity as an exact science: The theory of the solution of inventive problems. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers.
Altshuller, G.S. (1996). The innovation algorithm: TRIZ, systematic innovation and technical creativity. Technical Innovation Center.
Altun, K, Ozcan Berber, R, Kurt, R, Bektas, E, Turan, S, Korkmaz, V. (2022). Front seat development for autonomous driving: A case of innovative product development. Journal of the Faculty of Engineering and Architectures of Gazi University. 37 (3): 1441–1452. https://doi.org/10.17341/gazimmfd.936325
Altun, K. (2023). The synergy of multi-issue negotiation and OTSM-TRIZ: Inventive problem solving in automotive seat design. ICSI 2023 – The 14th International Conference and Global Competition on Systematic Innovation, October 13-15, Guangdong, PR China.
Altun, K. (2025a). A Mayan calendar-inspired cyclical TRIZ approach: Enhancing systematic innovation and long-term problem-solving. International Journal of Systematic Innovation. 9(3): 8-19. https://doi.org/10.6977/IJoSI.202506_9(3).0002
Altun, K. (2025b). A proof-of-concept for parameter manipulation in TRIZ: Automotive case study. International Journal of Automotive Science and Technology. 9(2): 166-173. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech.1592053
Altun, K. (2025c). Automotive front-seat design trade-offs: An OTSM-TRIZ-based approach. International Journal of Automotive Science and Technology. (accepted for publication).
Borgianni, Y., Frillici, F.S., Rotini, F. (2015). Integration of OTSM-TRIZ and Analytic Hierarchy Process for choosing the right solution. Procedia Engineering. 131: 388–400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.12.431
Brandenburg, F. (2002). Methodology for planning to technological product innovation. Aachen: Shaker Verlag.
Cavallucci, D., Fuhlhaber, S., Riwan, A. (2015). Assisting Decisions in Inventive Design of Complex Engineering Systems. Procedia Engineering. 131: 975–983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.12.409
Cosgun, M., Altun, K. (2025). Innovative solutions for convolutional neural network performance: A TRIZ-based reverse engineering approach. International Journal of Systematic Innovation. 9(3): 1-7. https://dx.doi.org/10.6977/IJoSI.202506_9(3).0001
Dewulf, S., Günther, S., Childs, P.R., Mann, D. (2023). Opening up new fields of application with TRIZ reverse–conceptual framework, software application, and implementation challenges. In International TRIZ Future Conference (pp. 55-69). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Elmaraghy, W., Elmaraghy, H., Tomiyama, T., Monostori, L. (2012). Complexity in engineering design and manufacturing. CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology. 61(2): 793–814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cirp.2012.05.001
Eltzer, T., Cavallucci, D., Khomenkho, N., Lutz, P., Caillaud, E. (2006). Inventive Design Applied to Injection Molding, in: ElMaraghy, H.A., ElMaraghy, W.H. (Eds.), Advances in Design, Springer Series in Advanced Manufacturing. Springer London, London. 169–182.
Fiorineschi, L., Frillici, F.S., Rissone, P. (2015). A Comparison of Classical TRIZ and OTSM-TRIZ in Dealing with Complex Problems. Procedia Engineering. 131: 86–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.12.350
Hansen, M.T., Birkinshaw, J. (2007). The innovation value chain. Harvard Business Review. 85 (6): 121-130.DOI: 10.6977/IJoSI.202512_9(6).0001 K. Altun/Int. J. Systematic Innovation, 9(6), 1-16 (2025) 16
Ilevbare, I.M., Probert, D., Phaal, R. (2013). A review of TRIZ, and its benefits and challenges in practice. Technovation. 33: 30–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2012.11.003
Khomenko, N. and Kucharavy, D. (2002). OTSM-TRIZ problem solving process: solutions and their classification. Proceedings of TRIZ Future Conference. 6–8 November, Strasbourg, France.
Khomenko, N., Ashtiani, M. (2007). Classical TRIZ and OTSM as a scientific theoretical background for non-typical problem-solving instruments. Frankfurt: ETRIA Future.
Khomenko, N., De Guio, R., Cavallucci, D. (2009). Enhancing ECN’s abilities to address inventive strategies using OTSM-TRIZ. International Journal of Collaborative Engineering. 1(1-2): 98-113. https://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJCE.2009.027441
Kim, D. (2021). Analysis of automotive seating systems in automated driving vehicles according to the changes of the interior environment. Master thesis of public administration. Graduate School of Engineering Practice, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Kruger, L.L.S.J., Pretorius, J.H.C., Erasmus, L.D. (2019). Towards a Comprehensive Systematic Innovation Model: A Literature review. SAIEE Afr. Res. J. 110: 39–46. https://doi.org/10.23919/SAIEE.2019.8643149
Mann, D. (2007). Hands-on systematic innovation. Devon: IFR Press.
Mann, D. (2023). TRIZ and chaos: First principles for emergency first responders, in: Cavallucci, D., Livotov, P., Brad, S. (Eds.), Towards AI-aided invention and innovation. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, pp. 453–464.
Mohammadi, A., Zeng, Y. (2025). Enhancing TRIZ through environment-based design methodology supported by a large language model. Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design, Analysis, and Manufacturing. 39: e12, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0890060425000083
Nakagawa, T. (2011). Education and training of creative problem-solving thinking with TRIZ/ USIT. Procedia Eng. 9: 582–595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2011.03.144
Nakagawa, T. (2016a). CrePS (General Methodology of Creative Problem Solving) beyond TRIZ: what, why, and how? Proceedings of TRIZCON 2016. New Orleans, LA, March 2–5, 2016, TRIZ HP Japan.
Nakagawa, T. (2016b). USIT: a concise process for creative problem solving based on the paradigm of ‘Six-Box Scheme’ – USIT Manual and USIT Case Studies. Proceedings of ETRIA TFC2015 (TRIZ Future Conference). Berlin, Germany, October 26–29, 2015, TRIZ HP Japan.
Nakagawa, T. (2018). TRIZ/CrePS approach to the social problems of poverty: ‘liberty vs. love’ is found the principal contradiction of the human culture. In Advances and Impacts of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving: The TRIZ Methodology, Tools and Case Studies (pp. 179-188). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Roper, S., Du, J, Love, J. (2008). Modeling the innovation value chain. Research Policy. 37(6-7): 962-977. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2008.04.005
Sheu, D. D., Lee, H. K. (2011). A proposed process for systematic innovation. International Journal of Production Research. 49(3): 847-868. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207540903280549
Sun, J., Li, H.-Y., Du, Y.J., Song, Z., Tan, R. (2020). A systematic innovation process oriented to inter-discipline, in: Cavallucci, D., Brad, S., Livotov, P. (Eds.), Systematic complex problem solving in the age of digitalization and open innovation. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. Springer International Publishing, Cham, pp. 257–267.
Wang, F., Tan, R., Wang, K., Cen, S., Peng, Q. (2024). Innovative product design based on radical problem solving. Computers & Industrial Engineering. 189: 109941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2024.109941
Zhan, Y., Tan, K.H., Ji, G., Chung, L., Tseng, M. (2017). A big data framework for facilitating product innovation processes. Business Process Management Journal. 23: 518–536. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-11-2015-0157
