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 3x3 matrix and placing the current problem in the center.[5]

Nine windows matrix
Past Present Future
Super-system
System Current Issue
Sub-system


The 3x3 matrix is divided into three problem-solving levels:[5]

  • Super-system: Also known as the macro system, this level refers to the external components and environment that currently act with the problem or system.
  • System: This level refers to the problem or system itself.
  • Sub-system: Also known as the micro system, this level refers to the parts or components of the problem or system.

See also

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Further reading

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  • 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

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  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. ^ a b "what is the Nine Windows technique?". American Society for Quality. Retrieved 3 July 2024.