40 inventive principles / #17
#17 Another dimension
What it says
- Move from one dimension to two, or from two to three.
- Stack objects in layers instead of one layer.
- Tilt or turn the object on its side.
- Use the other side of a surface.
Examples
- Software
- Add a second index; tag data instead of using one folder tree.
- Business
- Add a new axis of value, such as service on top of product.
- Engineering
- Multi-storey car parks; double-sided circuit boards.
- Everyday life
- Wall-mounted storage.
Where the matrix suggests it
The classic contradiction matrix suggests Another dimension in 87 of its 1,248 filled cells. Most often for these conflicts:
- Improving Length of moving object worsens Force
- Improving Length of moving object worsens Object-generated harmful factors
- Improving Length of moving object worsens Extent of automation
- Improving Length of stationary object worsens Area of stationary object
- Improving Area of moving object worsens Object-generated harmful factors
- Improving Area of stationary object worsens Power
- Improving Area of stationary object worsens Loss of energy
- Improving Volume of moving object worsens Object-generated harmful factors