www.create-learning.com Dimension Time Cost Operator (DTC) – A TRIZ tool for for seeing problems differently exploring ideas of extremes in size, time and cost. The DTC Operator can work to release Psychological Inertia.

1. DTC (Dimensions; Time; Cost) Operator
Process tool for Innovation

2. Dimension Time Cost Operator (DTC) –
A TRIZ tool for seeing problems differently.
Exploring ideas of extremes in size, time and cost.
The DTC Operator can work to release
Psychological Inertia
AKA Mental / Organizational Stuckness

3. PSYCHOLOGICAL INERTIA.
The psychological meaning of the word
"inertia" implies an indisposition to
change – a certain "stuckness" due to
human programming. It represents the
inevitability of behaving in a certain way
– the way that has been indelibly
inscribed somewhere in the brain. It
also represents the impossibility – as
long as a person is guided by his habits
– of ever behaving in a better way.
– Kowalick

4. Routine causes of
psychological inertia;
 Having a fixed vision (or model)
of the solution or root cause.
 False assumptions (trusting the
data).
 Language that is a strong carrier
of psychological inertia. Specific
terminology carries psychological
inertia.
 Experience, expertise and
reliance upon previous results.
 Limited knowledge, hidden
resources or mechanisms.
 Inflexibility (model worship;
trying to prove a specific theory,
stubbornness).
 Using the same strategy. Keep
thinking the same way and you
will continue to get the same
result.
 Rushing to a solution –
incomplete thinking.

5. The DTC Operator Algorithm
 Define the problem: Name the
system or the part of the system of
interest.
 Consider ideas created by DTC
extremes:

6. Dimensions:
If dimensions were
extremely large what
would success look like,
how would that happen, in
what way could that
system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If dimensions were
extremely small (almost
gone) what would success
look like, how would that
happen, in what ways
could that system be
developed?
List ideas/solutions:

7. Time:
If time were extremely long what would success look like, how
would that happen, in what ways could that system be
developed? (i.e. Days, Years, Decades instead of seconds or
minutes) OR If speed were extremely slow what would success
look like, how would that happen, in what ways could that
system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If time were extremely small what would success look like, how
would that happen, in what ways could that system be
developed? (i.e. nanoseconds instead of seconds) OR If speed
were extremely fast what would success look like, how would
that happen, in what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:

8. Cost:
(Not just in terms of dollars but costs in terms of downsides, harmful effects, etc…)
If there was no limit on cost how could the problem be solved, in what
ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:
If costs were extremely limited what would success look like, how would
that happen, in what ways could that system be developed?
List ideas/solutions:

9. The DTC Operator Algorithm
 Define the problem: Name the
system or the part of the system of
interest.
 Consider ideas created by DTC
extremes:
Example of DTC Operator TRIZ Innovation, used
to solve a Managerial Leadership Training
Problem.

10. Create-Learning
Innovation Programs
About the Programs
Organizations that wish to remain competitive in the business
environment must develop their capacity to generate creative ideas
and then use their talent well to transfer these ideas into innovative
practices. This leads to new processes and improved methods for the
best use of existing resources, and increases the ability to solve problems
and implement solutions that enhance the organization. In addition to
broadening their personal capacity for creativity and innovation, leaders
are better able to implement innovative ideas into their existing business model.
Using a mixture of creative problem solving and brain based leadership models the participants
will find solutions to existing organizational situations and develop the steps to incorporate these
innovations into their work.
Program times, length, and focus are customized and developed to best serve your needs.
Outcomes of Create-Learning Innovation Programs:
•Develop a culture of innovation that engages team member creativity and energy
•Challenge old ways of thinking and design new paradigms to drive greater success
•Use existing resources to their greatest capacity
•Share information amongst and between functions to reduce redundant work and speed
productivity
Contact: mike@create-learning.com +1.716.629.3678 www.create-learning.com

11. Images in order of appearance
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurtbudiarto/7150324143/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/derekgavey/5069358550/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/a_siegel/8133716733/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Necker_cube.svg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dhilung/3311130707/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76657755@N04/7408506410/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdhancock/3948724485/