Reading 4 - Wicked Problems

Reading 4 - Wicked Problems by Tom Richey

Summary + Diagrams for key points on what a tame problem is, what a wicked problem is and how to solve wicked problems

Summary:  This reading addresses two natures of problems, one tame and one wicked.
What is clear is that a tame problem is an easy problem, one where a solution has already been found all you have to do is identify what needs to happen and apply the correct method. All effects to fix the problem can be tried and abandoned, the answer will either be yes or no, right or wrong and the problem means you have reached a stopping point.

Unfortunately wicked problems are more complex and are the issues we frequently encounter in design. There is no pre-formulated, no similar class of problems to a wicked problem which makes them a challenge to solve. They are not able to be called as right or wrong answers but as better or worse and every attempt you have at solving that problem is permanent. These unique problems is generally a symptom of another wicked problem which suggests that these problems do not have a stopping point.
These nature of the resolution of a wicked problem depends on the nature of the explanation because the planner or the problem solver is able to have multiple hypotheses that can be used or refuted leaving a number of explanations possible.

 What I leant:
From this understanding of two categories of problem I have learnt that before I quickly apply the first practical solution to a design wicked problem I should first take the time to analsyse it and come up with solutions that are most possible not most probable as this will only make my life more difficult when I then have to find out how to implement an improbable solution
I should discuss openly with others, taking on their opinions and criticisms. It is also important to identify ownership on the problem and represent the problem graphically. This should not be difficult as in design most things need to eventually become visual/ graphic images.
What may be easy to forget is that you cannot simply continue and continue to look for answers or tried and tested methods completed by other designers but come up with your own way of solving your problem created by your design. If your design is unique then you should not be able to find a problem that fits its category anyway.

BELOW ARE DIAGRAMS ON THE MAIN POINTS FOR QUICK REFERENCE.