Three types of problem, and how to solve them

We can think of problems as being one of three types: Simple, Complex and Wicked, as shown in this diagram.

• We can think of problems as being one of three types: Simple, Complex and Wicked, as shown in this diagram.

3 Problem Types

• 3 Problem Types
• Simple problems are ones that have a single cause, are well defined and have a clear and unambiguous solution. Working out a route to travel e.g. from Birmingham to Lands’ End is an example of a simple problem (as is finding those lost car keys).
• Complex problems tend to have multiple causes, are difficult to understand and their solutions can lead to other problems and unintended consequences. Addressing traffic congestion in a busy town is an example of a complex problem.
• Wicked problems are problems that seem to be so complex it’s difficult to envision a solution. Climate change is an example of a wicked problem.

Wicked problems are like a tangled mess of thread – it’s difficult to know which to pull first. Rittel and Webber, who formulated the concept of wicked problems, identified them as having the following characteristics:

• Wicked problems are like a tangled mess of thread – it’s difficult to know which to pull first. Rittel and Webber, who formulated the concept of wicked problems, identified them as having the following characteristics:
• Difficult to define the problem.
• Difficult to know when the problem has been solved.
• No clear right or wrong solutions.
• Difficult to learn from previous success to solve the problem.
• Each problem is unique.
• There are too many possible solutions to list and compare.

Problems, of all types, can benefit from a systematic approach to being solved. There are many frameworks that can be used for addressing problems but at Digital Innovators we use the so called 4S Method proposed by Garrette, Phelps and Sibony.

• Problems, of all types, can benefit from a systematic approach to being solved. There are many frameworks that can be used for addressing problems but at Digital Innovators we use the so called 4S Method proposed by Garrette, Phelps and Sibony.