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 act 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.