---
title: "Nine windows"
chunk: 1/1
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_windows"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T11:51:38.117946+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

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.
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. 

The 3 × 3 matrix is divided into three problem-solving levels: 

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 ==