The Four Questions of Design Thinking: A systematic framework of innovation

A Proven Approach for Creating Innovation to Solve Wicked Problems

The future of work in an AI-driven world presents many new challenges never seen before, so there's not much information to go on to help us find solutions for them. These are "wicked" problems. Unlike tame problems, wicked problems need a different approach. One that is human-centered and holistic. But first, let's differentiate tame vs wicked problems using this handy chart.

Properties of Tame vs Wicked Problems

Tame problems are simple to solve. You have all the info you need, and someone's likely fixed it before. Good data makes the best answer obvious. Just look at the pros and cons, or what causes what, and pick the winner.

A key challenge with wicked problems is that it's hard to get everyone on the same page about what the actual problem is because there's just not enough information. People have different views, and no one person has all the information.

Linear vs Non-linear Process

Solving wicked problems necessitates collaboration and iteration, because new solutions must be tested in the field with real users. The goal is to create a set of solutions that fits the needs of stakeholders now with a framework to develop more options in the future.

My diagram looks somewhat orderly, right? Well, here's a simpler but more accurate representation of the design thinking process for wicked problems.

A Non-linear Path

However, there's a learnable, repeatable method for tackling wicked problems. I teach and facilitate a 15-step design thinking process from UVA Darden, guided by four key questions: What Is, What If, What Wows, and What Works.

What Is, What If, What Wows, What Works

The What Is the stage of this design thinking process is focused on getting information and gaining insights from what is discovered. It's a dance of art and science because the most impactful information to be gathered will come from ethnographic research.