Unravelling Complexity
POINTS
1.0
MODE
Workshop
TYPE
Knowing or Being
SoCIETIE KNOT
Summary
“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:
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 [see the paper]
Preparation
[2025 No preparation required.]
What will students learn
Students will learn how to apply these tools to a problem of their choosing.
Advice
NA
Completion
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 portfolio).
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).
Material
- 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 https://www.mssanz.org.au/modsim2023/files/browne.pdf
- KNOT Creator: Chris Browne
- KNOT Contact: