Nine Windows – Analyzing Problems in Time and Space

In the realm of problem-solving and strategic planning, the Nine Windows analysis stands out as a powerful tool. This technique offers a structured approach to examine issues across different time frames and spatial dimensions. By providing a comprehensive framework, the Nine Windows technique enables professionals to gain deeper insights and develop more effective solutions to complex challenges.

The Nine Windows analysis involves breaking down a problem into nine distinct perspectives, combining past, present, and future with micro, system, and super-system levels. This article will explore the fundamentals of the Nine Windows technique, its matrix structure, and the steps to apply it effectively. We will also delve into the benefits of using this approach and how it can enhance decision-making processes across various industries and scenarios.

What is the Nine Windows Technique?

Definition

The Nine Windows Technique, also known as the “System Operator” or “Nine Boxes,” is a powerful problem-solving and innovation tool. It offers a practical framework to consider a range of future opportunities by examining issues and their potential impacts across different dimensions of time and space. This method enables individuals and teams to look at innovation opportunities through different “lenses,” breaking free from mental constraints and gaining a broader perspective on the problem at hand.

The technique involves creating a 3×3 matrix, resulting in nine distinct perspectives. These perspectives combine three time frames (past, present, and future) with three spatial dimensions (super-system, system, and subsystem). By systematically exploring these nine windows, professionals can gain deeper insights into complex challenges and develop more effective solutions.

Origins

The Nine Windows Technique has its roots in the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). Genrich Altshuller, a Soviet engineer and researcher, developed this method in the 1950s. Altshuller derived this tool from studying patterns of invention in global patent literature. His goal was to provide a systematic approach to innovation based on the assumption that any given problem has already been solved.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Nine Windows Technique is to help individuals and teams think systematically and gain a broader perspective on the problem at hand. It addresses one of the key challenges in creative problem-solving: mentally getting out of our own way. People tend to be trapped in their unique perspectives, which limits their ability to see other possibilities.

By using the Nine Windows Technique, professionals can:

1. Break free from mental constraints and fixed thinking patterns
2. Gain a comprehensive view of a problem or opportunity
3. Explore issues across different time frames and spatial dimensions
4. Identify innovative solutions by considering various perspectives
5. Ensure companies change and evolve without relying on past tactics that might not work as well in the present world

The technique has proven valuable in various applications, including:

• Planning for human systems issues like team building
• Personal development
• Leadership
• Quality management systems
• Innovation and product development

By applying the Nine Windows Technique, professionals can systematically analyze problems, identify opportunities, and develop innovative solutions that consider both temporal and spatial dimensions. 

This structured approach helps overcome cognitive biases and limitations, leading to more comprehensive and effective problem-solving strategies.

The Nine Windows Matrix

The Nine Windows Matrix is a powerful visual tool that forms the foundation of the Nine Windows Technique. This matrix provides a structured framework for analyzing problems and opportunities across different dimensions of time and space. By utilizing this matrix, professionals can gain a comprehensive understanding of complex systems and develop innovative solutions.

Structure

The Nine Windows Matrix is structured as a 3×3 grid, resulting in nine distinct “windows” or perspectives. To create this matrix, one should draw nine boxes arranged in a 3×3 format on a blank sheet of paper or flipchart. The matrix is then labeled to represent different temporal and spatial dimensions.

The structure of the matrix is as follows:

1. The bottom row of boxes (from left to right) is labeled: Past, Present, and Future.
2. The far left column of boxes (from top to bottom) is labeled: Super-system, System, and Subsystem.

At the center of the matrix lies the core focus of the analysis. This central box contains a brief description or picture related to the innovation opportunity or challenge being examined.

Time Dimension

The time dimension of the Nine Windows Matrix spans across the horizontal axis, representing the past, present, and future states of the system under consideration. This temporal aspect allows for a comprehensive exploration of the system’s evolution and potential future developments.

1. Past: This column examines the historical context of the system or object. It considers previous solutions, earlier versions, or conditions that existed before the current state.
2. Present: The middle column focuses on the current state of the system or object. It serves as the starting point for analysis and provides a baseline for comparison.
3. Future: This column explores potential future states, developments, or improvements of the system or object. It encourages forward-thinking and innovation.

When completing the time dimension, it’s essential to consider various temporal scales. Depending on the nature of the problem or opportunity, the time frame can range from seconds to years, allowing for flexibility in analysis.

Space Dimension

The space dimension of the Nine Windows Matrix is represented vertically, providing a hierarchical view of the system and its components. This dimension helps to analyze the system at different levels of granularity.

1. Super-system: The top row represents the larger context or environment in which the system operates. It examines how the system interacts with its surroundings and considers external factors that influence its functioning.
2. System: The middle row focuses on the main system or object under analysis. This is where the core problem or opportunity is defined and examined in its current state.
3. Subsystem: The bottom row breaks down the system into its constituent parts or characteristics. It allows for a detailed examination of the components that make up the system in its present form.

By exploring these spatial dimensions, analysts can identify relationships between different levels of the system and uncover potential areas for improvement or innovation.

The Nine Windows Matrix serves as a comprehensive framework for problem-solving and innovation. 

By systematically examining a system across both time and space dimensions, professionals can break free from mental constraints and gain new perspectives on complex challenges. This structured approach enables teams to explore a wide range of possibilities, from preventing issues in the past to developing innovative solutions for the future, at various levels of the system hierarchy.

Steps to Use the Nine Windows Technique

The Nine Windows Technique provides a structured approach to problem-solving and innovation. By following these steps, professionals can gain a comprehensive understanding of complex systems and develop effective solutions.

Step 1: Create the Matrix

To begin, create a 3×3 matrix on a blank sheet of paper or flipchart. This grid forms the foundation of the Nine Windows analysis. Label the bottom row of boxes from left to right as “Past,” “Present,” and “Future.” Then, label the far left column of boxes from top to bottom as “Super-system,” “System,” and “Subsystem.” This structure allows for a systematic exploration of the problem across different time frames and spatial dimensions.

Step 2: Define the Problem

In the center box of the matrix, insert a brief description or picture related to the innovation opportunity or challenge. This central focus serves as the starting point for the analysis. It’s crucial to clearly define the problem or system under consideration to ensure a focused and effective analysis.

Step 3: Fill in the Windows

1. Present Dimension:
   Start by completing the middle column, which represents the present state of the system. Fill in the super-system and subsystem boxes above and below the center box.
   • Super-system: Describe how the system or object interacts with its surrounding environment. Ask, “What larger system encompasses the system or object?”
   • Subsystem: Break down the present system or object into its components and characteristics. Ask, “What makes up the object in its current form?”
2. Past and Future Dimensions:
   Fill in the past and future boxes to the left and right of the center box. Don’t limit yourself to the immediate past or future. Consider various temporal scales, ranging from seconds to years, depending on the nature of the problem.Ask questions such as:
   • What did the system look like before its current incarnation, and what will it look like in the future?
   • Where was the system before its present state, and where will it be in the future?
   • What happened to the system from its creation to its present form, and what will happen after it ceases to function in the present?
   • Before the present system existed, what was the previous solution, and what future solution could be developed?
3. Complete the Grid:
   Fill in the four corner boxes, representing the past and future states of the super-system and subsystem. These can be completed in any order. If you encounter difficulties, take a short break and return to the problem with fresh eyes.

After completing the Nine Windows matrix, reassess the innovation opportunity to determine if efforts should focus on the system, subsystem, or super-system level, and in which time dimension.

To enhance the analysis, consider the following questions for each window:

• Can we do something at the subsystem, system, or super-system level in advance to fix the problem or improve the system?
• Can we do something at these levels in the future to address the issue or enhance the system?
• What can be done at these levels in the present to resolve the problem or optimize the system?

By systematically exploring these nine windows, professionals can break free from mental constraints and gain new perspectives on complex challenges. This structured approach enables teams to identify innovative solutions by considering various temporal and spatial dimensions of the problem.

Analyzing the Past

The Nine Windows technique provides a structured approach to examining issues across different time frames and spatial dimensions. When analyzing the past, professionals gain valuable insights into the origins of problems and potential preventive measures. This section explores how to effectively analyze the past at the super-system, system, and sub-system levels.

Super-system Level

At the super-system level, the focus is on the broader environment in which the system functions. To complete the Past/Super-system cell of the Nine Windows matrix, professionals should list everything they would do to prevent the current problem in the environment surrounding the system. This approach allows for a comprehensive examination of external factors that may have contributed to the issue at hand.

By considering the super-system level, analysts can:

1. Identify environmental factors that influenced the problem’s development
2. Explore potential preventive measures that could have been implemented
3. Gain insights into the broader context of the issue

This analysis helps in understanding how external forces shaped the current situation and provides valuable lessons for future problem-solving efforts.

System Level

The system level analysis focuses on the core problem or opportunity being examined. To complete the Past/System cell, professionals should list what started the problem. This step is crucial for understanding the root causes and initial conditions that led to the current situation.

Key considerations for system-level analysis include:

1. Identifying the triggering events or circumstances
2. Examining the sequence of events that led to the current problem
3. Evaluating past decisions and actions that influenced the system’s evolution

By thoroughly analyzing the system’s past, professionals can gain a deeper understanding of the problem’s origins and develop more effective solutions.

Sub-system Level

The sub-system level analysis involves breaking down the system into its constituent parts or characteristics. To complete the Past/Subsystem cell, professionals should list everything they could have done in the past to prevent the problem at this level.

This analysis involves:

1. Identifying key components or processes within the system
2. Examining how these elements functioned in the past
3. Exploring potential interventions or modifications that could have prevented issues

By delving into the sub-system level, analysts can uncover specific areas where preventive measures or improvements could have been implemented.

To effectively analyze the past across all three levels, professionals should:

1. Shift their focus to the past and future after examining the problem and the system in the present
2. Consider various temporal scales, ranging from seconds to years, depending on the nature of the problem
3. Ask probing questions such as:
   • What did the system look like before its current incarnation?
   • Where was the system before its present state?
   • What happened to the system from its creation to its present form?
   • Before the present system existed, what was the previous solution?

By systematically exploring these questions and analyzing the past at different levels, professionals can gain valuable insights that inform their problem-solving efforts. This comprehensive approach enables teams to identify patterns, learn from historical context, and develop more effective strategies for addressing current challenges and preventing future issues.

Examining the Present

The Nine Windows technique provides a structured approach to analyzing problems and opportunities across different dimensions of time and space. When examining the present, professionals gain valuable insights into the current state of the system and its components. This section explores how to effectively analyze the present at the super-system, system, and sub-system levels.

Super-system Level

At the super-system level, the focus is on the broader environment in which the system functions. To complete the Present/Super-system cell of the Nine Windows matrix, professionals should consider the external factors that impact the system. This approach allows for a comprehensive examination of the current context surrounding the problem or opportunity.

Key elements to consider at the super-system level include:

1. Industry safety standards
2. Company policies
3. Shop floor layout
4. Transportation systems
5. Buyers and wholesalers
6. Suppliers

By analyzing these factors, professionals can understand how the system interacts with its environment and identify potential areas for improvement or adaptation.

System Level

The system level analysis focuses on the core problem or opportunity being examined. To complete the Present/System cell, professionals should describe the current state of the system and its operations. This step is crucial for understanding the immediate context of the issue at hand.

Key considerations for system-level analysis include:

1. Employee training and safety protocols
2. Current operational processes
3. Meeting schedules and communication methods
4. Customer support systems

For example, in a shop floor scenario, professionals might examine how meetings are currently scheduled based on incoming phone calls, emails, and online contacts for support. They may also assess the effectiveness of existing safety protocols and employee training programs.

Sub-system Level

The sub-system level analysis involves breaking down the system into its constituent parts or characteristics. To complete the Present/Subsystem cell, professionals should list the components and processes that make up the current system.

This analysis may include:

1. Communication tools (phones, computers)
2. Personal relationships within the organization
3. Language capabilities (multiple languages spoken)
4. Physical and digital record-keeping systems
5. Currency handling (if applicable)

By examining these elements, analysts can identify specific areas where improvements or modifications could enhance the overall system performance.

To effectively analyze the present across all three levels, professionals should:

1. Place the problem or current system in the center square of the 3×3 matrix
2. Explore the problem at each level (super-system, system, and sub-system)
3. Consider how the current state interacts with or influences other elements within the same level and across levels

By systematically exploring these aspects, professionals can gain a comprehensive understanding of the present state of the system. This thorough analysis serves as a foundation for identifying potential solutions and areas for improvement.

To enhance the examination of the present, consider asking the following questions:

1. How does the current super-system environment impact the system’s performance?
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current system-level processes?
3. How do the sub-system components contribute to or hinder the overall system functionality?
4. Are there any immediate opportunities for optimization or enhancement at any level?

By addressing these questions and thoroughly analyzing the present state at all three levels, professionals can develop a clear picture of the current situation. This comprehensive understanding serves as a crucial stepping stone for exploring potential future developments and identifying innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Exploring the Future

The Nine Windows technique provides a powerful framework for exploring future possibilities across different levels of a system. 

By examining the super-system, system, and sub-system levels, professionals can gain valuable insights into potential developments and innovative solutions. This section delves into how to effectively analyze the future using the Nine Windows approach.

Super-system Level

At the super-system level, the focus is on the broader environment in which the system will function in the future. To complete the Future/Super-system cell of the Nine Windows matrix, professionals should list actions to rectify the problem moving forward. This approach allows for a comprehensive examination of potential external factors that may impact the system’s evolution.

Key considerations for super-system level analysis include:

1. Anticipated changes in industry safety standards
2. Future company policies and regulations
3. Potential advancements in transportation systems
4. Evolving relationships with buyers, wholesalers, and suppliers

By analyzing these factors, professionals can prepare for future challenges and opportunities in the system’s broader context.

System Level

The system level analysis focuses on the core problem or opportunity being examined. To complete the Future/System cell, professionals should express the ideal project destination post-solution. This step is crucial for envisioning the desired state of the system and setting clear goals for future development.

Key elements to consider at the system level include:

1. Anticipated technological advancements
2. Potential changes in operational processes
3. Future customer support systems
4. Evolving communication methods

For example, in the context of communication systems, the Future/System cell might indicate that phone functions will be delegated to a person, effectively making the person equivalent to the phone. This concept aligns with the idea that future communication systems may integrate more seamlessly with human capabilities.

Sub-system Level

The sub-system level analysis involves breaking down the system into its future constituent parts or characteristics. To complete the Future/Subsystem cell, professionals should outline actions to address the problem in the future if it persists. This analysis helps identify specific areas where innovations or modifications could enhance overall system performance.

Key considerations for sub-system level analysis include:

1. Potential advancements in communication tools
2. Evolution of personal relationships within the organization
3. Future language capabilities and translation technologies
4. Anticipated changes in physical and digital record-keeping systems

By examining these elements, analysts can identify specific areas where improvements or modifications could enhance the overall system performance in the future.

To effectively analyze the future across all three levels, professionals should:

1. Consider various temporal scales, ranging from short-term to long-term projections
2. Explore potential technological advancements and their impact on the system
3. Anticipate changes in user needs and preferences
4. Identify potential challenges and opportunities that may arise in the future

By systematically exploring these aspects, professionals can develop a comprehensive understanding of potential future states and prepare for upcoming challenges and opportunities.

To enhance the exploration of the future, consider asking the following questions:

1. How might advancements in technology impact the super-system environment?
2. What potential innovations could revolutionize the system-level processes?
3. How might sub-system components evolve to meet future demands?
4. Are there any emerging trends or technologies that could disrupt the current system?

By addressing these questions and thoroughly analyzing the future state at all three levels, professionals can develop a clear vision of potential developments and identify innovative solutions to complex challenges. This comprehensive approach enables teams to anticipate future needs, prepare for potential obstacles, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in their respective fields.

Benefits of Using Nine Windows

The Nine Windows technique offers numerous advantages for professionals seeking to enhance their problem-solving and innovation capabilities. This powerful tool provides a structured approach to analyzing complex issues across different dimensions of time and space, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions.

Breaking Psychological Inertia

One of the primary benefits of using the Nine Windows technique is its ability to overcome psychological inertia. This resistance to change often manifests in phrases such as “It will not work that way” or “That has been tried before and it did not work.” The Nine Windows approach helps professionals break free from these mental constraints by encouraging them to view problems from multiple perspectives.

Gordon Cameron identifies eight routine causes of psychological inertia:

1. Having a fixed vision of the solution
2. Making false assumptions and trusting data without question
3. Using specific terminology that reinforces existing norms
4. Relying heavily on past experiences and results
5. Having limited knowledge or hidden resources
6. Displaying inflexibility and stubbornness
7. Reusing the same strategy repeatedly
8. Rushing to a solution without thorough analysis

By systematically exploring different time frames and spatial dimensions, the Nine Windows technique challenges these ingrained thought patterns. It prompts professionals to consider alternative viewpoints and question their assumptions, leading to more innovative and effective problem-solving.

Generating Innovative Solutions

The Nine Windows technique excels at fostering creativity and generating new ideas. By examining problems across different time frames (past, present, and future) and spatial dimensions (super-system, system, and subsystem), professionals gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. This multifaceted approach opens up new avenues for innovation and problem-solving.

Key benefits in generating innovative solutions include:

1. Enhancing brainstorming and idea generation processes
2. Promoting open-mindedness and adaptability
3. Uncovering hidden solutions and possibilities
4. Encouraging logical and systematic examination of correlations across time and space

The Nine Windows approach compels professionals to understand the structure of a system in both historical and current contexts. This comprehensive analysis suggests future pathways for development and innovation, leading to more creative and effective solutions.

Systematic Problem Analysis

The Nine Windows technique provides a structured framework for analyzing problems and opportunities. This systematic approach offers several advantages:

1. Visual representation: The technique excels at visually representing problems within their spatial and temporal dimensions. This visual approach helps professionals better understand the relationships between different elements of the system.
2. Versatility: Nine Windows serves as a versatile managerial creative thinking tool for system analysis and forecasting future development directions. It is suitable for addressing both unexpected parameter deviations (excursions) and persistent issues.
3. Comprehensive exploration: By examining the problem across nine different perspectives, professionals gain a more thorough understanding of the issue. This comprehensive exploration facilitates a multifaceted perspective, allowing for innovative problem-solving and system enhancement.
4. Structured thinking: The technique encourages a logical, step-by-step examination of the problem. This structured approach helps professionals avoid rushing to conclusions and ensures a more thorough analysis.
5. Future-oriented planning: Nine Windows can be a valuable planning tool for human systems issues like team building, personal development, and leadership. It allows professionals to consider future scenarios and plan accordingly.

By utilizing the Nine Windows technique, professionals can overcome psychological inertia, generate innovative solutions, and conduct systematic problem analysis. This comprehensive approach enables teams to break free from conventional thinking patterns and develop more effective strategies for addressing complex challenges in various fields, including quality management systems and organizational development.

Conclusion

The Nine Windows technique emerges as a powerful tool for professionals seeking to break free from conventional thinking patterns and develop innovative solutions. By examining problems across different time frames and spatial dimensions, this approach has a significant influence on overcoming psychological inertia and fostering creativity. Its systematic framework enables teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of complex issues, leading to more effective problem-solving strategies and future-oriented planning.

As organizations navigate the ever-changing landscape of quality management systems, the Nine Windows technique offers a structured method to analyze challenges and opportunities. This approach proves invaluable to explore deeply various aspects of a system, uncovering hidden solutions and possibilities. Are you ready to improve your quality management? Contact us now and let’s discuss how we can work together to achieve your ISO certification goals. By embracing this versatile tool, professionals can enhance their decision-making processes and drive innovation across various industries and scenarios.

FAQs

What does the 9 Windows method entail?

The 9 Windows method is a dynamic and versatile tool used in management for creative thinking, system analysis, and predicting future development trends. It is highly effective in solving problems and encouraging innovation, making it ideal for tackling both sudden deviations in parameters and ongoing challenges.