6. Frequently asked questions

Why are there nine laws?

An estimated 1,500 lineages of technical systems have been analyzed by Altshuller and colleagues. For each of them, a meticulous investigation of the milestones in their evolution has been carried out. Each of these milestones translates into the resolution of one or more contradictions present in an important patent in the history of the technical object under consideration. It is therefore difficult to claim that the nine laws are exhaustive. On the other hand, they do provide an important starting point for thinking about a new "law-oriented" design mode, rather than a more traditional "customer-oriented" design approach. Future work, if it proves to be relevant, could influence this number and bring the laws up to ten or more.