Wicked Learning of Wicked Problems: A Fiendish Dance

Many of today’s global problems are often referred to as “wicked problems” because they are complex and difficult, sometimes impossible, to solve. They are characterized by interconnectedness, non-linear causality, and a lack of clear solutions or definitive answers. Designing for such wicked problems is unavoidable but doing so without a clear understanding of implicit biases and the repercussions of one’s design experience and actions compound its wickedness. This paper explores what informs designer’s decisions (design cognition) and drive their actions (design behaviour) when addressing wicked problems and its implications, by examining wicked problems through two intersecting theoretical lenses; cognitive psychology and learning. It contextualises its findings using the Co-evolution of Design to articulate how designing for wicked problems are prone to implicit biases and inaccurate feedback.

keywords: Wicked problems; Wicked learning environments; Heuristics; Framing

• with: Anita Kocsis
• for: 50 Years Wicked, International Online Symposium on Design Theory
• year: June 2023