Urban challenges such as poverty, sustainability, equality and quality of life are sometimes referred to as 'wicked problems', a term that was coined by the design theorist Horst Rittel. A wicked problem is a social or cultural problem that, for a number of different reasons, is difficult or impossible to solve.
What are wicked problems examples?
Background. 'Wicked' is the term used to describe some of the most challenging and complex issues of our time, many of which threaten human health. Climate change, biodiversity loss, persisting poverty, the advancing obesity epidemic, and food insecurity are all examples of such wicked problems.
What is a wicked problem?
A wicked problem is a social or cultural problem that's difficult or impossible to solve because of its complex and interconnected nature. Wicked problems lack clarity in both their aims and solutions, and are subject to real-world constraints which hinder risk-free attempts to find a solution.