Wicked vs tame problems

Wicked problems are usually messy, confusing and complicated, but they need not be. They can also be simple and straightforward. Tame problems generally are more transparent and understandable than wicked ones, but not always. They can also be extremely complex, confusing, and opaque.

1. What are examples of wicked problems?
2. What defines a tame problem?
3. What are the characteristics of wicked problems and tame problems?
4. What is the opposite of wicked problems?

What are examples of wicked problems?

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 defines a tame problem?

A clear problem agreed to by all constituencies. A tame problem has a definitive solution and also may be solvable through lessons learned solving a previous and similar problem.

What are the characteristics of wicked problems and tame problems?

Some characteristics of wicked problems are that they are often interconnected, have no definitive formula, and only have good and bad solutions rather than true or false solutions. On the other hand, tame problems are easy to understand for all and have an easy solution for solving them.

What is the opposite of wicked problems?

The opposite of wicked problems are tamed ones. These are problems that are defined and solved in a well-defined context, such as for instance to win a game of chess. Such problems might not be easy to solve, but the rules of the game are clear, the same for all players, and do not change during the game.