system-operator

<!-- Based on the TRIZ System Operator Prompt by Jens Träger and the Business MSD Prompt by Robert Adunka Copyright (c) 2026 Robert Adunka Licensed under the MIT License — see LICENSE in the repository root. --> # 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.