Wicked problems

(see question framing, sympoiesis and other glossary entries)

Brief history

• Horst Rittel's (1967) original design-related term was developed for use in a managerial context, when (Rittel & Webber, 1973) defined 'wicked problems' using ten characteristic features. Jeffrey Conklin (2006) later generalised the idea using only six.

Conklin's Six Indicators:

1. The problem is not understood until after the formulation of a solution.
2. Wicked problems have no stopping rule.
3. Solutions to wicked problems are not right or wrong.
4. Every wicked problem is essentially novel and unique.
5. Every solution to a wicked problem is a 'one shot operation.'
6. Wicked problems have no given alternative solutions.

Super-wicked problems

• Loosely speaking, a super-wicked problem is a wicked problem partially caused by those calling for a solution.

References

• Churchman, C. W. (1967). Wicked problems. Management Science, 14(4), B-141 and B-142
• Conklin, Jeffrey (2006). Dialogue mapping : building shared understanding of wicked problems. Chichester, England: Wiley Publishing. ISBN 978-0-470-01768-