Tech - Nine Windows of Architecture

The world at large has been going through a phase of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity). Some say that this is the new "normal". Although, this term was initially coined by the US Army War College, it applies to the world of business and markets as well. As a result, the VUCA conditions impose more strain on IT departments to deliver solutions that are sustainable and flexible.

There are several structured techniques one can employ to manage this scenario. One of the techniques is called - "Nine Windows". This technique looks at two dimensions - time and space. The time represented as past, present and future. The space dimension is modelled as - super system, system and sub system.

Nine Windows
Nine Windows

As an IT architect, a lot of my time is spent working with teams on solution architecture and implementation. Sometimes, when there are several or competing options available, I use this technique. Typically, there is a tendency to focus only on the immediate opportunity or problem. But, this technique helps people get a more well rounded context. It also helps in balancing the needs of the now vs the future.

Here are some simple steps to apply this technique -
  1. Draw a grid with nine windows, pretty much like the one for playing tic-tac-toe.
  2. Fill rows 1-3 for column 1 with the details of the past. This should be fairly straightforward.
  3. Fill the centre window with the changes that are being planned. 
  4. Next fill the super-system and sub-system in column 2.
  5. A lot of thought may go into determining the future (rows 1-3) in column 3.
  6. Lastly, based on the constraints or other inputs, you can adjust the columns 2 and 3. Feel free to create several versions of "Nine Windows", based on the other factors. 
The above approach can be taken for existing or new projects. It can be applied to the IT enterprise or solution architecture landscape. If not anything, at least it prompts all teams to think and discuss about the solution from various perspectives.

 Some might want to add more dimensions apart from time and space, like - cost, capabilities and so on. I would advise against that. It becomes difficult to visualize and comprehend. Instead, use the step 6 to chart out the various versions, if required.
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

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