Integration TRIZ with problem-solving tools: a literature review from 1995 to 2006

This paper surveys Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) integration into other creativity tools, methods and philosophies using a literature review of publications from 1995 to 2006. After explaining the motivation of the integrations, a categorical analysis is carried out on how TRIZ has been integrated with these tools based on publications of combining TRIZ with design problem-solving tools. The applications of the integrations in different industries are summarised, and possible future directions are presented. This paper can satisfy the needs of researchers and practitioners for easy reference of TRIZ and problem-solving tools, and hence promote the future development of TRIZ.