Patterns of Evolution

Technological systems evolve according to certain statistically-proven patterns. These patterns - called the Patterns of Evolution - form the common threads between evolving systems, as revealed through patents and other sources describing technological achievement. The Patterns of Evolution constitute much of the theoretical base of the I-TRIZ methodology.

Traditionally, system evolution proceeds through trial and error. Most trials fail, however, because they are influenced by psychological inertia. With I-TRIZ, the majority of trials are productive because they follow the Patterns of Evolution, eliminating the need for numerous blind trials.

And because the Patterns of Evolution represent strong, historically-recurring tendencies, they can also be used to predict the future evolution of a system.