ABSTRACTDifferent problem solving methodologies drawing on various philosophical and practical approaches are in use all over the world. This paper gives details of the TRIZ method, created by G. A. Altshuller in the former Soviet Union in 1946. TRIZ uses systems thinking concepts to structure problem solving and encourages the user to discover the objective laws of evolution and development in the field of inventive creativity. Examples of the use of the system and reflections on its impact are given by the author.