attribute Graphic metaphor for the interaction of objects and attributes. Five solution heuristics are used to support these strategies. 1) "Dimensionality" focuses on the "attributes" available and new ones discovered during problem analysis. 2) "Pluralization" focuses on "objects" being multiplied in number or divided into parts, used in different ways, and carried to extremes. 3) "Distribution" focuses on "functions" being distributed differently among objects in the problem situation. 4) "Transduction" uses "attribute-function-attribute links" to reach new solution concepts. This is modeled metaphorically after transducers, which convert information from one form to another. 5) "Uniqueness" characterizes effects of a problem according to their activity in "space" and "time". Each technique is logically tied to one or more of the underlying features in the well-defined problem: objects, attributes, and effects. Industrial experience Beginning in 1995, the problem-solving methodology has been taught to Ford's corporate technologists and management in monthly three-day classes. Weekly User-group meetings allow continued development of skills. A team of specialists was organized to apply the methodology to corporate problems worldwide. Their ideal goal was three 3-hour sessions, one for each phase of problem solving. Before starting a team program, the customer would be involved with the team in gathering necessary background information. Some of this experience can be read in Injecting Creative Thinking Into Product Flow (see Resources). Many Japanese companies are having their technologists trained in USIT, especially because of its streamlined nature and ease of understanding. A reward of USIT is its ability to enable a technologist to begin solving a problem so poorly worded as, "This gismo doesn't work. Fix it!" and, "Our competition just lowered their price. Now what?" Resources Triz Home Page in Japan a provides freeley available case studies, forums, ebooks and newsletters on USIT and reprints of papers and essays. The site is available in two languages: Japanese and English. Textbook "Unified Structured Inventive Thinking – How to Invent (click on Publications)" by Dr. Ed. N. Sickafus, , Ntelleck, LLC, 1997 Ebooks "Unified Structured Inventive Thinking – an Overview" Newsletter Korean Reprints/essays "Injecting Creative Thinking Into Product Flow" "Problem Statement" "Metaphorical Observations" Problem solving methods Creativity techniques Methodology