ITB Contradiction Builder

ITB (IF → THEN → BUT) is a TRIZ-based tool to expose technical contradictions. Clarity is the first step toward non-compromise solutions.

TRIZ TOOLContradiction Builder

Published Mar 16, 2024By MetalHatsCats Lab

The Methodology

Structured problem solving starts with visualizing the tension. If we make a change (IF), we gain a benefit (THEN), but we worsen something else (BUT).

Condensed Statement

If we hire more sales staff, then we reach more prospects and increase pipeline coverage, but we raise payroll cost and reduce margin flexibility.

Example: if we add automated review gates, then deployment quality improves, but individual feature lead time increases. The goal is high quality without sacrificing speed.

What you get

Main IF-THEN-BUT articulation
The Trade-off Shadow (Reverse statement)
Exportable Contradiction Diamond

Ideation Triggers

Prompt-based problem reframing
Separation over time or space
System-level mechanism shifts

Contradiction Builder

Interactive Workspace

1. Structured Context

Problem titleDomain

If we do this (Action)Then this happens (Benefit)But this worsens (Cost)Why this mattersConstraints

2. Refined Statements

Primary statementGenerated

Reverse statementGenerated

ContradictionGenerated

Challenge questionGenerated

Diamond Visualizer

Live Export Preview

If we choose Action:

hire more sales staff

Then we gain:

we reach more prospects and increase pipeline coverage

But we worsen:

we raise payroll cost and reduce margin flexibility

The Trade-off (Cost of Inaction):

If we do not hire more sales staff, then we avoid we raise payroll cost and reduce margin flexibility, but we lose we reach more prospects and increase pipeline coverage.

If we choose Action:

hire more sales staff

Then we gain:

we reach more prospects and increase pipeline coverage

But we worsen:

we raise payroll cost and reduce margin flexibility

Reverse Case:

If we do not hire more sales staff, then we avoid we raise payroll cost and reduce margin flexibility, but we lose we reach more prospects and increase pipeline coverage.

Problem Scenarios

Sales coverage vs payroll cost

A commercial team wants broader pipeline coverage, but extra headcount raises fixed cost and pressure on margin.

Review depth vs delivery speed

A delivery team wants fewer mistakes, but each extra approval step slows release flow and increases wait time.

Inspection intensity vs throughput

An operations function wants tighter control, but more intensive inspection reduces throughput and creates bottlenecks.

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