The “ideal” occurs when a useful function is performed without any harmful effect (such as cost, quality problems, complexity, or waste).  Even though this may be impossible to achieve, striving for “Ideality” positions us for success.

It’s all about our point of view.   The first thing you need to do is decide what point of view you need to take in order to solve a problem.

Point of View #1:   Starting from the current undesired situation, i.e., how can we improve the current product or process? This point of view has an “optimization” focus.

Point of View #2:   Starting from a vision of the optimum, i.e., what is the ideal solution?  This point of view has an “inventive” focus.

Each point of view takes us down a different path and toward a different set of possible solutions.  When attacking an inventive problem, it is important to focus on Point of View #2, which represents Ideality.