1. Obvious

In this quadrant, the solution to the problem is obvious to everyone. There is one way to solve this kind of problem and no one argues about it. If the grass is too long, use a lawn mower.

2. Complicated.

In this area, you will see most consulting firms active, because there is more than one solution and an expert on hand to find the right solution for you. This is the area where knowledge is available to solve the challenge. However, you will also find many challenges in this quadrant that are suitable for Design Thinking if you feel that the more obvious solutions may not be the real solution because the core problem is not clear (enough). Applying Design Thinking allows you to find the right solution to the right problem.

3. Complex

This is the area where Design Thinking is very useful. It is the area where there is no clear solution and solutions must be tested through experimentation and exploration. This leads to brand new solutions, usually no one has thought of them yet. Solutions are hard to predict; only hindsight provides insight into whether something will actually solve the problem. This is the area for unknown unknowns.

4. Chaotic

In this area, you don’t have time to look for a solution, but immediate action is required. For example, when a levee breach goes. Act first to stop the flooding, then you can discuss whether it was the best solution. Design Thinking is not a convenient choice at the moment.

5. Disorder.

This area is in the middle and is applied when you cannot apply any of the other four areas. This applies to situations where much is available and becomes too large to handle. Split the area into smaller chunks that fit into one of the previous areas and treat them step by step.