Problem Complexity Tiers
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Overview
The HUMMBL Unified Tier Framework classifies problems into 5 distinct complexity tiers based on quantitative assessment. This classification enables systematic problem analysis, appropriate method selection, and realistic solution planning.
Tier Range: Simple (Tier 1) → Super-Wicked (Tier 5)
Scoring System: 0-30 points across 5 dimensions
Assessment Method: Wickedness Scoring Tool
The Five Tiers
Tier 1: Simple Problems (0-9 points)
Characteristics:
- Clear cause-and-effect relationships
- Complete information available
- Well-established solution methods
- Stakeholder agreement on problem definition
- Permanent, stable solutions possible
Typical Examples:
- Fixing a flat tire
- Balancing a checkbook
- Following a recipe
- Replacing a light bulb
- Basic mathematical calculations
Problem-Solving Approach:
- Apply standard procedures
- Follow established protocols
- Use documented solutions
- Minimal creativity required
Base-N Recommendation: Base6 (6 foundational models)
Tier 2: Complicated Problems (10-14 points)
Characteristics:
- Multiple interconnected parts
- Requires specialized expertise
- Clear solution path exists
- Predictable outcomes
- Can be broken into manageable components
Typical Examples:
- Sending a rocket to space
- Performing surgery
- Building a bridge
- Developing software from specifications
- Tax preparation for a business
Problem-Solving Approach:
- Engage domain experts
- Apply established methodologies
- Follow engineering principles
- Use systematic analysis
Base-N Recommendation: Base6-Base12 (6-12 models)
Tier 3: Complex Problems (15-19 points)
Characteristics:
- Emergent properties and behaviors
- Non-linear cause-and-effect
- Requires continuous learning and adaptation
- Multiple valid approaches
- Solutions evolve over time
Typical Examples:
- Raising a child
- Organizational culture change
- Ecosystem management
- Traffic flow optimization
- Economic policy development
Problem-Solving Approach:
- Iterative experimentation
- Pattern recognition
- Adaptive management
- Systems thinking
- Continuous feedback loops
Base-N Recommendation: Base12-Base24 (12-24 models)
Tier 4: Wicked Problems (20-24 points)
Characteristics:
- No definitive problem formulation
- Stakeholders disagree fundamentally
- Every solution creates new problems
- No stopping rule (never “solved”)
- Each problem is essentially unique
- Solutions are “better/worse” not “true/false”
Defining Features (Rittel & Webber, 1973):
- No definitive formulation
- No stopping rule
- Solutions not true/false but better/worse
- No immediate test of solution
- Every solution is a “one-shot operation”
- No enumerable set of potential solutions
- Every wicked problem is essentially unique
- Can be symptom of another problem
- Discrepancies can be explained in numerous ways
- Planner has no right to be wrong
Typical Examples:
- Poverty reduction
- Education reform
- Healthcare system design
- Urban planning
- Criminal justice reform
Problem-Solving Approach:
- Stakeholder engagement
- Multiple perspectives
- Deliberative processes
- Incremental improvements
- Acknowledge trade-offs
Base-N Recommendation: Base24-Base36 (24-36 models)
Tier 5: Super-Wicked Problems (25-30 points)
Characteristics (Levin et al., 2012):
All Tier 4 characteristics PLUS:
- Time is running out - Urgent deadline pressure
- Those who cause the problem also seek to solve it - No central authority
- The central authority needed to address them is weak or non-existent
- Policy responses discount the future irrationally
Typical Examples:
- Global climate change
- Pandemic response coordination
- Nuclear proliferation
- Global financial system stability
- Antibiotic resistance
Problem-Solving Approach:
- Global coordination
- Long-term commitment
- Adaptive governance
- Multi-stakeholder coalitions
- Innovation in governance structures
Base-N Recommendation: Base36-BASE120 (36-120 models)
Tier Comparison Table
| Dimension |
Tier 1 |
Tier 2 |
Tier 3 |
Tier 4 |
Tier 5 |
| Information |
Complete |
Complete |
Incomplete |
Contested |
Highly uncertain |
| Stakeholders |
Agree |
Agree |
Some disagreement |
Fundamental disagreement |
Global discord |
| Solutions |
Permanent |
Stable |
Evolving |
Better/worse |
Emergent |
| Expertise |
Basic |
Specialized |
Multidisciplinary |
Transdisciplinary |
Global coordination |
| Timeline |
Immediate |
Defined |
Ongoing |
Indefinite |
Urgent deadline |
| Authority |
Clear |
Clear |
Distributed |
Weak |
Non-existent |
To determine your problem’s tier:
- Use the 5-Question Wickedness Scoring Tool
- Score each question (0-6 points per question)
- Total your score (0-30 points)
- Match to tier range
Score Ranges:
- 0-9 points = Tier 1 (Simple)
- 10-14 points = Tier 2 (Complicated)
- 15-19 points = Tier 3 (Complex)
- 20-24 points = Tier 4 (Wicked)
- 25-30 points = Tier 5 (Super-Wicked)
Progression & Transitions
Problems can move between tiers:
- Upward: New information reveals complexity
- Downward: Learning reduces uncertainty
- Dynamic: Same problem may be different tiers for different stakeholders
Critical Transitions:
- Tier 1→2: Realizing multiple components exist
- Tier 2→3: Discovering emergent behaviors
- Tier 3→4: Encountering fundamental disagreements
- Tier 4→5: Recognizing time pressure and authority gaps
Related Pages
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Application Guides:
Reference: