MENTAL MODEL · M0948

Super-Wicked Problem

CultureHigh supportLiterature

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

More difficult than a 'wicked problem'. Characteristics: 1. Time is running out; 2. Those who caused the problem are also those who must solve it; 3. No central authority can solve it; 4. Policies discount the future nonlinearly (no pain now, but a very ugly death later). Examples include climate change.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Difficulty rating. Recognizing this type of problem tells you that conventional 'interest exchange' or 'administrative orders' will fail. It must be addressed by changing cultural narratives and underlying incentives.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

A super wicked problem is an intensified version of a wicked problem: time is running out, there is no central authority, self-interest leads to sacrificing the future, and the understanding of the problem itself changes with action. The climate crisis is a typical example.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/1

Practice this model in one real situation:

Acknowledge that there is no single solution and no clear boundaries. Establish cross-domain and cross-temporal collaboration rather than single-department responses. Iterate with experimentation and learning, and resist short-term exploitation.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_problemZH · Explicit
verified

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