Ill-structured vs. well-structured problems

Problems are generally hierarchical. Solving a mundane problem (e.g. finding a specific email) is usually part of a larger problem (which is part of an even larger problem etc.)

Higher-level problems are ill-structured (or "wicked"). Ill-structured problems usually have many solutions. Big part of solving these is defining the problem itself: "How we frame an ill-structured problem impacts how we might solve it." (Torres, 2020, p.28) Therefore, it's good to explore multiple different framings.

Lower-level problems tend to be more well-structured. Herb Simon defined "well-structured" problems as fullfilling these criteria:

• Includes criteria to test the solution and repeatable process for applying the criteria.
• There's a clear problem state, goal state and interim states
• Has identifiable "legal moves" – clear steps to take to solve the problem. These require only practical levels of effort.

The larger the problem, the more ill-structured it tends to be. Design problems and problems related to innovation in business are pretty much always ill-structured.

Humans have unique techniques to solve ill-structured problems.

Tags: problem solving

ID: 2021-0605-1920

References:

• Kolko – Exposing the Magic of Design, p. 6
• Torres – Continuous Discovery Habits, p.26
• Simon, 1973