Tackling Wicked Problems: Tools and Takeaways From the Field of Naturalistic Decision Making

Can NDM help us solve problems like gun violence, homelessness, education disparities, and racial injustice?

In their groundbreaking paper, Rittel and Weber coined the term “wicked problems” to denote broad, entrenched, multi-faceted public policy issues that defy traditional problem-solving approaches.

Many organizations use Naturalistic Decision Making frameworks to help their members better navigate stressful, uncertain, and dangerous situations. Now, there is a budding movement within the NDM community to adapt our tools and methodologies to address wicked problems as well.

Our speakers will share insights from 30 case studies that may reveal opportunities for applying NDM to the most pressing issues facing humanity today.