Ken, Keith, Terry, et. al.:
<snip> 1) There is no definitive formulation of [X]. <end snip>
After observing this interesting thread I have this hypothesis:
The wicked problem definition (in this thread) is a linguistic ploy, similar to the phrase: “It’s a non-existent entity.”
Those word symbols “It’s a non-existent entity” individually carry meaning but what they convey together is meaningless: nonsense. It's like something from Lewis Carroll. As soon as the wicked problem is defined, it ceases to exist. So long as it's undefinable, it "is." Very clever! Now, if you could just prove, by some shred of evidence that the undefinable "is" but, there it goes, as soon as the evidence exists the wicked problem disappears.
One can’t offer an example of a wicked problem because by definition it can’t be defined.
Terry's last post offering sample 'wicked problems':
<snip> what is the best power system for an aircraft <snip>
are not wicked at all.
It's clear.
The GE 90 is the best engine for an aircraft.
Now, you may say, "No, the GE 90 is not the best one." to which I answer, "Who says? And how do you know it's not the best?"
To which you may answer "The GE 90 is too heavy for a Sopwith Camel!" to which I would answer "You said an aircraft, not a Camel."
You see, there are wicked answers to wicked problems!
I admire that each of you can craft such elaborate posts that are beautiful exercises in linguistic argumentation about nonsense. As as the example above shows, language like any system does not necessarily make sense, connect to what is, and therefore I wonder: what's the value?
I welcome your correction of my hypothesis that a wicked problem is a lovely poetic word play, but even when replaced by X, it is still word play and nothing more. If I'm right, we can enjoy the discussion but dispense with wicked problems as something designers address, having as they do no definition or solution.
Mike
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PhD-Design mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
Discussion of PhD studies and related research in Design
Subscribe or Unsubscribe at https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/phd-design
-----------------------------------------------------------------
|