The aim of this paper is to show that TRIZ is not an isolated theory, but a set of tools that can be interpreted in the light of general theoretical models for creativity. In fact, the numerous tools and strategies that TRIZ formulates can be seen as specific instances of the DIMAI model for the creative thinking process, which takes into account environmental, personality, and cognitive factors and postulates five principal states: Drive, Information, Movement, Assessment and Implementation. Letting "strategy" be defined as a sequence of activation of states, components or sub-processes that includes implementation as a final step, we show how TRIZ offers a systematic organization of strategies for the disciplined and aware use of the complex interactions between the cognitive, individual and emotional elements hypothesized into the DIMAI model. The interpretation of TRIZ through the DIMAI model is not only interesting from a theoretical point of view, but it adds an awareness layer which can help both the scientist and the practitioner in dealing systematically and homogeneously with the multiple variables and elements involved in the creative and innovative act, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness.
