| 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):
- Technical or business system?
- Which year or era for the past? (offer a recommendation)
- Which year or horizon for the future? (offer a recommendation)
- How many Sub-System and Super-System components? (recommend 5–10)
Process (all modes)
- Present state. Describe the current system. In interactive mode, propose your understanding and confirm with the user.
- Sub-Systems (5–10). What assemblies, components, materials, designs, and parameters make up the system?
- Super-Systems (5–10). What exists in the environment? Which other systems interact with this one? Which environmental factors impact it?
- Past. Define a past year. Identify the predecessor system and its Sub-Systems and Super-Systems (5–10 each).
- Future Sub/Super-Systems. Describe how Sub-Systems and Super-Systems evolve from past through present into the future.
- Future System. Based on the influence of future Sub-Systems and Super-Systems, derive how the system itself must evolve — following a consistent trajectory.
- 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.
