Nine windows

The nine windows technique, also known as 9 windows, 9 boxes, 9 screens, multiscreen diagram, or system operator tool is a creative problem-solving technique that analyzes a problem across time and relative to its place within a system. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

The approach is based on the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) and involves creating a 3 × 3 matrix and placing the current problem in the center. ^[5]

Nine-windows matrix

	Past	Present	Future
Super-system
System		Current issue
Sub-system

The 3 × 3 matrix is divided into three problem-solving levels: ^[5]

• Super-system, also known as the macro system, refers to the external components and environment that currently interact with the problem or system.
• System refers to the problem or system itself.
• Sub-system, also known as the micro system, refers to the parts or components of the problem or system.

See also

• Business model canvas, business model template with nine boxes

Further reading

• Harrington, H. James; Voehl, Frank (26 April 2016). The Innovation Tools Handbook, Volume 1: Organizational and Operational Tools, Methods, and Techniques that Every Innovator Must Know. CRC Press. ISBN   978-1-4987-6050-8.

References

1. Chakrabarti, Amaresh; Blessing, Lucienne T. M. (13 February 2014). An Anthology of Theories and Models of Design: Philosophy, Approaches and Empirical Explorations. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 254. ISBN   978-1-4471-6338-1 . Retrieved 3 July 2024.
2. Chechurin, Leonid (12 September 2016). Research and Practice on the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ): Linking Creativity, Engineering and Innovation. Springer. p. 269. ISBN   978-3-319-31782-3 . Retrieved 3 July 2024.
3. Gupta, Praveen; Trusko, Brett E. (5 February 2014). Global Innovation Science Handbook. McGraw Hill Professional. p. 389. ISBN   978-0-07-179271-4 . Retrieved 3 July 2024.
4. Tague, Nancy R. (31 December 2023). "The Tools, Section 3". The Quality Toolbox. Quality Press. pp. 381–384. ISBN   978-1-63694-123-3 . Retrieved 3 July 2024.
5. "what is the Nine Windows technique?". American Society for Quality. Retrieved 3 July 2024.