Momentum+ / Design Thinking Techniques for Wicked Problems

This is for the early birds!

Ever tried to solve a problem that seems to have no clear beginning or end, where every solution you can think of creates new, unforeseen challenges? Imagine attempting to reduce city-wide homelessness. You might build more shelters, but that doesn't address the root causes like mental health, addiction, or lack of affordable housing. Improve job training, and you might find a skills mismatch or transportation barriers. This, in essence, is the nature of a "wicked problem" – complex, interconnected, and often without a single "right" answer.

This -virtual- lecture dives into the heart of these challenging issues, exploring how the human-centered, iterative methodologies of Design Thinking can provide a powerful framework for understanding and tackling wicked problems. We'll move beyond traditional, linear problem-solving approaches that often fall short when faced with ambiguity and systemic complexity.

Participants will gain an understanding of:

What Makes a Problem "Wicked": Delve into the characteristics of wicked problems, from incomplete or contradictory knowledge and multiple stakeholders with conflicting values, to the interconnectedness of factors and the ever-evolving nature of the problem itself.

The Limits of Traditional Approaches: Understand why conventional analytical methods often struggle to effectively address the multifaceted nature of wicked problems.

Core Design Thinking Principles for Complexity: Discover how core tenets of design thinking – such as empathy, reframing, ideation, prototyping, and iteration – are uniquely suited to navigate the uncertainty inherent in wicked problems.

Key Techniques in Action: Explore a practical toolkit of design thinking techniques, including:

Empathy Mapping & Stakeholder Analysis: Gaining deep insights into the diverse perspectives and needs of those affected by the problem.

Journey Mapping: Visualizing the experiences and pain points within the complex system.

Problem Reframing & "How Might We..." Questions: Shifting perspectives to uncover new avenues for solutions.

Brainstorming & Co-creation Workshops: Generating a wide range of innovative ideas through collaborative efforts.

Rapid Prototyping & Iterative Testing: Quickly developing and testing low-fidelity solutions to learn and adapt in real-time.

Systems Thinking & Visualisation: Mapping the interconnectedness of various elements within the wicked problem to understand leverage points for intervention.

What are your key takeaways!

Identify and define wicked problems in various contexts.

Critically assess the limitations of traditional problem-solving methods when applied to wicked problems.

Understand and articulate the core principles of design thinking.

Identify and describe key design thinking techniques applicable to wicked problems.

Appreciate how an iterative, human-centered approach can lead to more effective and sustainable interventions for complex challenges.

Who is this BEST for?

This lecture is ideal for professionals, policymakers, social innovators, researchers, students, and anyone grappling with complex, ill-defined challenges in their field. Whether you're working in public policy, healthcare, education, sustainability, urban planning, or business innovation, understanding how to apply design thinking to wicked problems will provide you with invaluable tools and perspectives.