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Principle

13. Do It in Reverse

a. Instead of an action dictated by the specifications of the

problem, implement an opposite action

b. Make a moving part of the object or the outside environment

immovable and the non moving part moveable

c. Turning the object upside down

Principle Description: Apply an opposite (or reverse) action; turn upside down or turn inside out.

Hints on Usage: This principle is one of the most important TRIZ principles: THINK OPPOSITE. If something is made or performed in a particular way, try to make or perform it in an “opposite” way in order to avoid inherent problems. For example:

- The opposite of an object is the absence of an

object (object vs. no object)

- The opposite of an object is an opposite object (matter vs.

anti-matter)

- The opposite of an action is an opposite action (push vs. pull)

- The opposite of an action is no action (action vs. in action)

- The opposite of a feature is the absence of the feature

(feature vs. no feature)

- The opposite of a feature is an opposite feature (feature vs.

anti-feature)

- The opposite of a function being performed is that the

function is not performed (function vs. no function)

- The opposite of a function being performed is that an

opposing function (function vs. anti-function)

- The opposite of an event is no event (event vs. no event)

- The opposite of an event is an opposing event (event vs.

countering event)

- The opposite of a condition is the absence of the

condition (condition vs. no condition)

- The opposite of a condition is an opposite condition

(condition vs. countering condition

Assess a system for parts, actions, objects, features or conditions of the system that would add value if they were inverted in some manner. Look for ways to realize functions, features, actions, and object by reversing the way they are performed.

Examples:

Instead of testing an automobile's aerodynamics by driving it down the road, it is put into a wind tunnel to simulate driving conditions. This is analogous to any system that requires aerodynamic or hydrodynamic testing.

A swimmer can swim back and forth in a swimming pool for exercise or a current can be created in a pool (only slightly larger than the swimmer) for the swimmer to swim against. This applies to people or animals using treadmills.

When competitors turn their backs on a market that is difficult to serve, find a way to serve that market.

Containers can be turned upside down to deliver a liquid to the bottom of a container. Thus, the liquid is where it needs to be when it is poured. Examples include: shampoo bottles, ketchup bottles and wall mounted soap dispensers.

Top heavy products are inverted so gravity supplies an advantage.

Using reverse psychology on contrary people generates the required response by using their natural tendency to resist. Also, utilize contrary people to find flaws in a project idea to get a list of problems to solve.