40 inventive principles / #20
#20 Continuity of useful action
What it says
- Keep all parts working at full load all the time.
- Remove idle runs and interruptions.
Examples
- Software
- Streaming instead of nightly batches; CI that runs on every push.
- Business
- Follow-the-sun support across time zones.
- Engineering
- A continuous casting line instead of batch moulds.
- Everyday life
- Listen to a podcast while commuting.
Where the matrix suggests it
The classic contradiction matrix suggests Continuity of useful action in 19 of its 1,248 filled cells. Most often for these conflicts:
- Improving Duration of action of moving object worsens Loss of time
- Improving Duration of action by stationary object worsens Productivity
- Improving Power worsens Device complexity
- Improving Loss of time worsens Duration of action of moving object
- Improving Device complexity worsens Power
- Improving Productivity worsens Duration of action by stationary object
- Improving Weight of stationary object worsens Loss of time
- Improving Speed worsens Loss of energy