Mental Karate: Methodology of Scientific and Technical Creativity and Conceptual Design is a groundbreaking contribution to the evolving field of creative problem-solving and innovation management. Rooted in decades of invention and design experience, this book by Valery V. Popov offers a compelling alternative-and thoughtful evolution-of the widely known TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving).
Where TRIZ focuses heavily on formalized tools and contradiction-based resolution algorithms, Mental Karate proposes a more systemic, human-centered, and heuristic-driven methodology. The author recognizes the foundational value of TRIZ but critiques its conceptual vagueness, scientific inconsistencies, and limited educational accessibility. In response, he builds an integrated design framework that is not only technically rigorous but pedagogically intuitive.
At the heart of this book lies the 8-stage model of conceptual design-a methodical process that guides innovators from the identification of broad human needs to the development, refinement, and optimization of technical solutions. These stages include:
1. General human needs
2. Individual needs
3. Functional requirements
4. Consumer properties
5. Functional structure
6. Operating principles
7. Technical solution formation
8. Optimization of parameters
This model presents creativity not as an unpredictable spark, but as a trainable intellectual discipline-much like a martial art. Hence the name Mental Karate: a mental combat system of design thinking built upon strategic heuristics, not random intuition.
Popov’s approach is deeply interdisciplinary. It draws from systems engineering, philosophy, psychology, and even classical rhetoric. His use of heuristic techniques-such as the “ascent-descent” method, metaphor-driven ideation, and the classification of “good” and “bad” verbs and adjectives-translates into real-world tools that readers can apply not only in engineering and design, but in business, education, and personal decision-making.
This book is ideally suited for:
- Engineers, product designers, and inventors
- TRIZ practitioners seeking to broaden their methodology
- Educators and trainers in creativity and innovation
- Students of design thinking, systems science, and entrepreneurship
- Anyone interested in developing structured creative skills that are applicable in both professional and everyday life
Mental Karate challenges the myth of “innate genius” and instead empowers all readers-regardless of background-to engage with creativity as a practical, accessible, and even joyful activity. With clarity, depth, and vision, Popov delivers not only a new methodology but a new mindset for a complex, innovation-driven world.