MENTAL MODEL · M4062

Wicked Problems

DecideHigh supportGame Theory

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Refers to complex social problems (such as poverty, climate change) that are ill-defined, have no stopping rule, no right or wrong but only better or worse, and where every solution generates new problems. Such problems cannot be handled with traditional linear 'analyze-solve' methods.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Dealing with complex problems. When facing wicked problems, do not try to 'solve' them completely, but rather 'mitigate' or 'cope'. Stop looking for standard answers, and shift to iterative trial-and-error and balancing among multiple stakeholders.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Rittel and Webber proposed that wicked problems have no clear definition, no termination rule, solutions cannot be right or wrong but only better or worse, and each intervention changes the problem itself.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

When facing such problems, first abandon the illusion of a 'one-time solution', and use small iterative steps and co-creation with stakeholders. Use it to distinguish 'tame problems' from 'wicked problems' and apply different methods.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

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Source support: Explicit

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zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%BD%AA%E6%83%A1%E5%95%8F%E9%A1%8CZH · Explicit
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