40 inventive principles / #16
#16 Partial or excessive actions
What it says
- If exactly 100% is hard to get, do slightly less or slightly more and the problem may become easy.
Examples
- Software
- Ship a rough first version, then refine.
- Business
- Overbook slightly to make up for no-shows.
- Engineering
- Overfill a mould, then trim the excess.
- Everyday life
- Buy a bit too much paint rather than run out mid-wall.
Where the matrix suggests it
The classic contradiction matrix suggests Partial or excessive actions in 99 of its 1,248 filled cells. Most often for these conflicts:
- Improving Area of stationary object worsens Ease of operation
- Improving Area of stationary object worsens Ease of repair
- Improving Shape worsens Device complexity
- Improving Duration of action by stationary object worsens Power
- Improving Use of energy by moving object worsens Force
- Improving Power worsens Duration of action by stationary object
- Improving Power worsens Illumination intensity
- Improving Power worsens Use of energy by moving object