system-operator

name

system-operator

description

TRIZ System Operator (also known as Multi-Screen Diagram, MSD, 9 Boxes, 9 Screens, 9 Windows, Multi-Screen Thinking) — analyzes technical or business systems across past, present, and future at Super-System, System, and Sub-System levels. Use this skill when the user mentions 'system operator', 'multi-screen', 'MSD', '9 boxes', '9 screens', '9 windows', 'multi-screen diagram', 'multi-screen thinking', or wants to explore how a system evolves over time. Default to technical systems; switch to business if context suggests. Does NOT handle problem-solving — use problem-operator for that.

TRIZ System Operator (Multi-Screen Diagram)

Guide the user through a TRIZ System Operator analysis (also known as Multi-Screen Diagram, MSD, 9 Boxes, 9 Screens, or 9 Windows) to explore a system's past, present, and future at the Super-System, System, and Sub-System levels. Works for both technical and business systems.

Step 0: Choose working mode

At the very start, ask the user which mode they prefer:

• Automatic — generate the full matrix immediately using your own assumptions; state assumptions made
• Semi-automatic — ask 3–4 targeted questions, then generate
• Interactive — work step by step; present a recommendation after each step and wait for confirmation before proceeding

Step 0a: Determine system type

Default to technical. Switch to business if the user mentions an organization, company, service, or business process, or if it becomes clear from context. Ask if unclear.

Semi-automatic questions

Ask these before generating (skip any already answered by context):

1. Technical or business system?
2. Which year or era for the past? (offer a recommendation)
3. Which year or horizon for the future? (offer a recommendation)
4. How many Sub-System and Super-System components? (recommend 5–10)

Process (all modes)

1. Present state. Describe the current system. In interactive mode, propose your understanding and confirm with the user.
2. Sub-Systems (5–10). What assemblies, components, materials, designs, and parameters make up the system?
3. Super-Systems (5–10). What exists in the environment? Which other systems interact with this one? Which environmental factors impact it?
4. Past. Define a past year. Identify the predecessor system and its Sub-Systems and Super-Systems (5–10 each).
5. Future Sub/Super-Systems. Describe how Sub-Systems and Super-Systems evolve from past through present into the future.
6. Future System. Based on the influence of future Sub-Systems and Super-Systems, derive how the system itself must evolve — following a consistent trajectory.
7. Generate the matrix. Produce the 3×3 Multi-Screen Diagram.

Output

	Past (year)	Present (year)	Future (year)
Super-System	Predecessor components interacting with Past-System	Components interacting with current system	Projected supersystem developments
System	The predecessor system	The system being analyzed	Projected future system
Sub-System	Components of Past-System	Components of current system	Projected component developments

Add a brief summary sentence below the table describing the main evolution trajectory.

Examples

Technical: Car

	Past (before 1900)	Present (today)	Future (in 5 years)
Super-System	Early roads, traffic signs, coachman	Streets, traffic lights, driver	Intelligent roads, V2X communication, legislation
System	Horse-drawn carriage	Car	Autonomous car
Sub-System	Horse, carriage, wheels	Engine, chassis, wheels	Hydrogen engine, AI systems, sensor arrays

Summary: Self-driving hydrogen cars on intelligent streets, driverless operation.

Technical: Smartphone

	Past (before 1994)	Present (today)	Future (in 10 years)
Super-System	Telephone lines, desk, telephone exchange	5G, wifi, cloud, pockets	Worldwide wifi, clothing-integrated reception, 6G
System	Landline phone	Smartphone	Wearable smartphone
Sub-System	Receiver, base unit, dial	Screen, sensors, battery, casing	Microscopic electronics, mini casings, ultra-fast battery

Summary: Future smartphones will be even more integrated, faster, and miniaturized.

Business: Insurance Company

	Past (before 1994)	Present (today)	Future (in 10 years)
Super-System	Client, competitors	Client, bank, fund management, lawyers, partners, police, competitors, building	Client, state cash reserves, competitors, legal offices
System	Lender-insurer	Insurance Company	Bank
Sub-System	Own cash, contract	Cash, employees, departments, cars, equipment, agents, reports, clients list	Cash, employees, departments, building, cars, equipment

Summary: The bank will fulfill the tasks of an insurance company in the future.