Wicked Problems
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Proposed by Rittel and Webber. Refers to problems that are difficult to define, have no standard answers, and whose solutions generate new problems (e.g., poverty, climate change, education reform). Distinguished from tame problems that have standard solutions (e.g., solving math problems, building bridges).
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Expectation management: When facing wicked problems, do not pursue a 'perfect solution' but rather 'improvement' or 'mitigation'. - Collaboration mode: Solving such problems cannot rely on experts' linear planning but must rely on dialogue and iteration among multiple stakeholders.
Anchor fast decisions
Wicked problems: no clear definition, no stopping rule, solutions cannot be tested by trial and error, each intervention is unique and involves value conflicts, cannot be solved by conventional engineering.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/5Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- opentext.ku.eduhttps://opentext.ku.edu/wickedproblem?p=19verified
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