Wicked Problems

Traditional (and still dominant) approaches to problem solving are based on some assumptions. One is that we will be able to define the problem. Another is that we should try to find the cause - what creates the problem. A third is that we aim to solve the problem, and once that is done, the problem is gone. The concept of Wicked problems challenges this. In short, a Wicked problem is a problem that can't be defined in a way we all can agree on, can't be understod by finding a cause (or a set of causes in a linear way) and can't be solved once and for all or in a way all stakeholders will see as a solution (or sustainable solution).

The concept of Wicked problems was first introduced by Rittel & Webber (1973) in an article named Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning in Policy Sciences, vol 4. It was, at that time, used to understand complex social or political issues that were difficult to define and solve because of their complex and dynamic nature. Now, the concept is used on all sorts of problems or situations that do not lend themselves to clear and shared definitions (i.e., the understanding varies depending on the perspectives of those involved) and do not have a clear and well-defined solution. Global warming is, of course, one obvious example of a Wicked problem on a global scale.

Unlike simple or well-defined problems – sometimes called Tame problems – wicked problems cannot be solved by straightforward solutions or by simply following known problem-solving methods or heuristics. Wicked problems are interconnected and interdependent. They have multiple causes and consequences that need to be addressed simultaneously. By applying a holistic and collaborative approach with many stakeholders and perspectives, we might still find ways to solve some aspects of a Wicked problem (without creating more problems for others).

The 10 properties of Wicked problems (copied from www.wicked7.org Links to an external site.):

There is no definitive formulation of a wicked problem.
Wicked problems have no stopping rule.
Solutions to wicked problems are not true or false, but good or bad.
There is no immediate and no ultimate test of a solution to a wicked problem.
Every solution to a wicked problem is a “one-shot” operation; because there is no opportunity to learn by trial and error, every attempt counts significantly.
Wicked problems do not have an exhaustively describable set of potential solutions, nor is there a well-described set of permissible operations that may be incorporated into the plan.
Every wicked problem is essentially unique.
Every wicked problem can be considered to be a symptom of another problem.
The existence of a discrepancy representing a wicked problem can be explained in numerous ways.
The planner has no right to be wrong.

This is a short, first introduction to the framework.

The presentation can be found here: Introduction to Wicked MOOC.pdf Download Introduction to Wicked MOOC.pdf

The concept of Wicked problems is, of course, related to concepts like Open Systems and Complexity. In the following video, Systems Innovation Links to an external site. provides an introduction to Wicked Problems and how they can be understood. The video is only a part of a longer presentation, but it should help you to understand the concept.

We have argued that it is important to seek a deep understanding of a system's complexity and dynamics. Wicked problems exist in such systems. Therefore, working with wicked problems must be addressed with a corresponding level of complexity and dynamics in an adaptive and inclusive collaborative process or approach.

It lies in the nature of Wicked problems that they are difficult to "solve" and we don't have a lot of tested and validated methods. There are, for sure, no fool-proof methods for addressing Wicked problems. Wicked problem-solving is more of a trial-and-error process. Experimentation and learning are key elements. There is a growing interest in such methods, and some are discussed more often than others. Here are three:

Integrative Thinking is a concept primarily developed by Roger Martin. You can read about the framework here Links to an external site..
Dialogue Mapping is primarily developed by Jeffrey Conklin. You will find a reference to one of his publications below.
Design thinking approaches the problem with creativity and often counter-intuitive ideas that might change the systems and hence “solve” the problem. Design thinking emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and experimentation, and can help in developing creative and innovative solutions.is also offering one approach to addressing Wicked problems.
Scenario thinking: scenario thinking involves creating and analyzing multiple plausible scenarios for the future. Scenarios can help us simulate the consequences of different ideas on how to solve the problem.
Multi-criteria decision analysis: developing frameworks considering multiple criteria facilitates finding trade-offs and making decisions that balance different interests and values.

In this short video, the Design thinking approach is explained in the context of UX development. But the principles are universal.

Tim Brown is a well-known speaker on Design thinking. Here, you can watch him in a TedTalk. He is connecting Design thinking and Wicked problems.

In this pdf you can read about some ideas on how to tackle Wicked Problems: 5 Steps to Help You Tackle Wicked Problems by Combining Systems Thinking with Agile Methodology:

Design thinking and Wicked problems Download Design thinking and Wicked problems

Reading suggestions:

Bentley, Joseph & Michael Toth (2020). Exploring Wicked Problems - What They Are and Why They Are Important, Archway Publishing.

Brown, Valerie, et al (2010) Tackling Wicked Problems through the Transdisciplinary Imagination. Earthscan.

Conklin, Jeffrey (2009) Building Shared Understanding of Wicked Problems, Rotman Magazine

Edmondson, Amy (2016) Wicked Problem Solvers, Harvard Business Review, June.

Weber, Edward, et al (2015) New Strategies for Wicked Problems: Science and Solution for the 21st Century. Oregon State University Press

Yankeloviche, Daniel (2015) Wicked Problems/Workable Solutions: Lessons from a Public Life. Rowman & Littlefield.

On the website for "The Wicked 7 Projekt Links to an external site." you can find examples of Wicked Problems and how they could be described or mapped.