TRIZ

TRIZ (pronounced TREES) is the Russian acronym for the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (sometimes called Systemmatic Innovation). This algorithmic approach to solving technical problems, today expanded to the field of business, began in 1946 when the Russian engineer and scientist Genrikh Altshuller studied thousands of patents and noticed certain patterns of invention. From these patterns he discovered that the evolution (future) of a technical system is not a random process, but is governed by objective laws. These laws can, he claimed, be used to consciously imagine a system along its path of technical evolution - by determining and implementing well-defined innovations.
Southbeach and TRIZ
Over the years, TRIZ practitioners developed conventions for the visual modelling of technical problems in products, services, business and society. Not all of these notations are consistent, even if they are individually valid.
Southbeach was developed to embrace, unify and extend (for the modern era) the different styles of TRIZ diagram in common use. This allows the development of a general purpose modelling tool and embedded creativity (ideation) engine.
Historical
A rare series of short videos of Altshuller teaching TRIZ to his students:
Genrich Altshuller teaching TRIZ 1 of 6
Genrich Altshuller teaching TRIZ 2 of 6
Genrich Altshuller teaching TRIZ 3 of 6
Genrich Altshuller teaching TRIZ 4 of 6