Understanding Wicked Problems

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I. Introduction In Horst W. J. Rittel and Melvin M. Weber’s 1973 seminal paper titled Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning, the reader is introduced to the concept of a “wicked problem”. This term is used in social planning to describe an issue that is difficult, or sometimes impossible to resolve since it is comprised of contradictory factors that are challenging to recognize. If one were to try and solve one part of a wicked problem, more problems can be revealed or created. While Rittel and Weber offer an imperative theory with the concept of wicked problems, there are several points that are made in their paper that can bring misinterpretations and require clarification from a design point of view. II. Understanding Wicked Problems In their seminal paper, Rittel and Weber argue that the systems analysis approach to finding an issue and then creating a solution cannot apply to planning-specific issues. In fact, the main argument that is voiced is the most difficult problem is defining the problem. It is mentioned that because there are such diverse values that are held by varying groups of individual people, a solution might satisfy one individual might …show more content…

For example, Rittel and Weber list ten characteristics of wicked problems, one of them being that there is no clear end to indicate when a wicked problem has been resolved, or wicked problems have no “stopping rule”. In design cases, this characteristic remains true since design projects often abandoned rather than left incomplete. This example also relates to another characteristic listed by Rittel and Weber, which is that it is impossible to predict all likely solutions to a wicked problem. In design specifically, it would be inefficient to try and determine all possible solutions to a single planning

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