Two examples of visualizing a wicked problem are shown below. The first was an assignment in an information design course taught in 2001 at CCA, diagram by Chanpory Rith. The challenge was to diagram the roots of terrorism described in a 2001 essay by Fritjof Capra inspired by the attacks on 9/11 called “Trying to Understand”. Note that values and feelings are represented as causal elements within the ‘ecology’ of the problem. The second diagram maps the root problems and influencers of obesity.

This map of the wicked problem of obesity was developed by the UK government https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reducing-obesity-obesity-system-map. Note the various categories of influencers as well as the interconnections and interdependencies.

The following videos illustrate different ways to think about the “stakeholder groups” that are affected by a wicked problem. There are several techniques shown below. Stakeholder mapping is well known within many disciplines such as business and design, however within the context of Transition Design the definition is expanded to include all groups affected by a wicked problem (including other species and affected parts of the natural world). The objective is to identify groups that might be overlooked in traditional approaches; usually groups with less power and influence. In addressing a wicked problem, the concerns and needs of ALL groups must be taken into consideration. Many of the examples below do not adopt this approach or concern, however they can be useful in thinking about identifying the myriad groups connected to your problem. Remember that with a problem like “lack of access to clean water”, the local and regional water supplies (watershed) would be seen as a stakeholder group, as would the various members of its ecosystem.

Many of the videos show clearly defined processes for stakeholder mapping. You will not be asked to go into this type of in-depth mapping for Assignment #1b, however it is useful to see approaches that can be used in developing a deeper understanding of stakeholder concerns. See the Climate KIC website for additional information.

Globalization I & II: In these two videos, John Green discusses globalization and follows the surprisingly complex path of t-shirt as it criss-crosses the world before coming to rest on your doorstep, and eventually in your dresser. He argues that Globalization is a bit of a mixed bag, and there have definitely been winners and losers along the way. In this episode John will talk about some of the benefits that have come along with it. In the second video, he asks whether globalization is a net positive for humanity. While the new global economy has created a lot of wealth, and lifted a lot of people out of poverty, it also has some effects that aren’t so hot. Wealth disparity, rising divorce rates, environmental damage, and new paths for the spread of disease. So does all this outweigh the economic benefits, the innovation, and the relative peace that come with interconnected economies?

Vandana Shiva on Globalization: Environmentalist, lawyer and activist Vandana Shiva highlights the social costs of globalization, including extreme inequality and violence against women, and the need for environmental activism, seed freedom and sustainable agriculture in India and beyond. Interview at FES’s International Week of Justice, 2015.

Brief video examines the individual impacts of Globalization.