Simple, Complex, and Wicked Problems
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The document discusses three types of problems: simple, complex, and wicked, as taught by Horst W.J. Rittel. Simple problems are clearly defined with consensus among stakeholders, complex problems lack initial clarity and require stakeholder agreement, while wicked problems cannot be defined clearly and involve competing perspectives. Strategies for addressing each type vary from straightforward solutions for simple problems to collaborative efforts for wicked problems.
Simple, Complex, and Wicked Problems
- 1. simple, complex & + why you should care problems wicked
- 2. @seandurham
- 4. Horst W.J. Rittel 1930–1990 Taught at UC Berkeley, University of Stuttgart
- 5. Wrote about planning projects with lots of factors and stakeholders
- 6. 3 types of problems • Simple • Complex • Wicked hard
- 7. 3 types of problems • Simple • Complex • Hella hard
- 10. That monster is in my way
- 11. Simple problems AKA school problems - Problem is clearly defined - Stakeholders agree on what the problem is
- 14. We need to find more potential hires We need potential hires to find us We need to get better at vetting potential hires Potential definitions
- 15. Complex problems AKA business problems - Problem is not clearly defined at first - Stakeholders must work to understand and agree about what the problem is before solving it
- 18. Hey! I’m in charge here
- 20. I’ll let him think that for now
- 21. But I’m the true heir to the throne
- 22. I don’t have an opinion, but my dragons do
- 23. Who wore it better than me?
- 24. The North has its own king now
- 25. Why do we pretend kings have all the power?
- 26. The true war lies north of the wall
- 27. What if people can’t agree on the problem?
- 30. Wicked problems AKA political problems - Problem cannot be clearly defined - Stakeholders can’t hope to understand or agree about what the problem is
- 31. How do you solve a simple problem?
- 32. • Research the problem & existing solutions • Explore possible solutions • Specify/implement desired solutions
- 33. How do you tame a complex problem?
- 34. • Clarify the goal • Deliberate with others to form consensus • Research the problem & existing solutions • Explore possible solutions • Specify/implement desired solutions
- 35. How do you tame a wicked problem?
- 36. • Work toward your vision of the solution • Work to win people over to your point of view
- 37. • Authoritative: Let the experts decide • Excludes stakeholders • Requires authority have power to enact a solution • Competitive: Pit points of view against one another • Enables comparing solutions • Discourages sharing information • Collaborative: Involve all stakeholders • Challenging to get consensus in a large group After N.C. Roberts “Wicked Problems and Network Approaches to Resolution.”, 2000
- 38. 99 problems
- 39. I need to pack for a trip to Europe
- 40. Patrons don’t know when the museum is open
- 42. The busses don’t run on time
- 43. Profits are down
- 44. The rent is too damn high
- 45. Maria
- 46. Need to improve user retention
- 47. Tech workers are raising my rent
- 48. I need to get to work
- 49. Everyone needs to get to work
- 50. I need a beer