The Innovation Algorithm: Triz, Systematic Innovation and Technical Creativity

This is one of the truly great and original contributions to the field of creativity. Altshuller's approach shows the inadequacy of many of the existing systems of creative problem solving. I loved everything about this book, from his analysis of problem spaces, thinking backwards from the solution to it's systematic emphasis on dealing with contradictions was first rate and that's just some of the topics. My only problem with the book was that it was geared towards engineering problems and the examples while intriguing were a bit mysterious to this non-engineer. However, with a bit of thinking and some collateral resources, I think this approach can be used to solve any problem.

I have read all available books on TRIZ and found no better than this. As comprehensive and deep as "Creativity as an exact science", it is more clear, systematic, and legible.