Unravelling Complexity

Bold thinking meets complex problems — Introducing a toolkit of frameworks to explore, describe, and unravel wicked problems.

Please bring a 'complex' problem that you are interested in exploring in your studies. This might be something to do with your research or area of studies, or something that you're passionate about.

This problem might be something that you pick up again for the completion activity and/or your project.

“Universities serve to make students think: to resolve problems by argument supported by evidence; not to be dismayed by complexity, but bold in unravelling it”
- Boulton & Lucas, What are Universities For?

Today we take up this challenge, and learn some different ways to look at complex problems, including using:
Alford & Head’s topology for Wicked Problems The Iceberg Model [see Academy for Systems Change] Connection Circles [see a free tutorial from Creately] Behaviour over Time charts [see the guide on the Systems Thinker] If this, then that, then what [MODSIM 2023 conference paper (PDF)] Theory of Change (see Theory of Change basics guide (PDF)) These frameworks help to explore, describe and perhaps gain insight about complex problems.
Students will learn how to apply tools for managing complexity to a problem of their choosing.

• Alford, John & Head, Brian. (2017). Wicked and less wicked problems: A typology and a contingency framework. Policy and Society. 36. 397-413. 10.1080/14494035.2017.1361634. [Full PDF]
• Browne, C., and Nabavi, E. “If this, then that, then what? A generative process for overcoming implicit bias in the initial phases of participatory modelling.” 25th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation, Darwin, NT, Australia, 9 to 14 July 2023 MODSIM 2023 conference paper (PDF)

Image Credit: Alina Grubnyak

Take at least one of the tools from the class and apply it to a problem/issue/situation of your choosing (perhaps think about a problem you might explore in your project).

Include a copy of the worked output (can be a photo, drawing, etc). You may include more than one. Include a short 100-200 word reflection that explores how you are considering the problem/issue/situation differently through using the tool (ie what are the insights you have gained).