Social Construction of Design Problems: Genealogical Evolution and Paradigm Shift of Horst Rittel's "Wicked Problems" Theory

WANG Min

doi:10.19798/j.cnki.2096-6946.2026.04.002

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Industrial & Engineering Design ›› 2026, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (4) : 10-20. DOI: 10.19798/j.cnki.2096-6946.2026.04.002

Social Construction of Design Problems: Genealogical Evolution and Paradigm Shift of Horst Rittel's "Wicked Problems" Theory

WANG Min

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Abstract

In the field of design studies, discussions on "wicked problems" have long focused on the integration of interdisciplinary professional knowledge and have advocated the use of design thinking and human-centered approaches to seek "problem-solving" solutions. However, implicit social narratives profoundly influence the complexity and solvability of such "wicked problems". Existing design research tends to frame "wicked problems" merely as "designable" objects, while paying relatively little attention to reflecting on "whose problem it is" and "for whom the design is intended".===By adopting a literature review and timeline analysis approach and drawing on the major theoretical milestones in the development of "wicked problems", the work aims to examine the underlying social and cultural factors involved, as well as the evolution of theories and paradigm shifts. By systematically reviewing the key perspectives from earlier research on "wicked problems", a paradigm transition in design from the traditional "problem-solving" model toward "problem framing and co-evolution" is proposed. The primary contribution of this work lies in reconstructing the theoretical foundation of "wicked problems" from a social constructionist perspective. Through genealogical analysis, it reveals the characteristics of this paradigm shift, thereby providing an interdisciplinary explanatory framework for the study and understanding of such issues. The social construction of design problems is not merely a shift in perspective for examining "wicked problems". More importantly, it offers a solid methodological foundation for designers to transition from "responders" to "co-creators".

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Horst Rittel / wicked problems / social construction / genealogical evolution / paradigm shift

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WANG Min. Social Construction of Design Problems: Genealogical Evolution and Paradigm Shift of Horst Rittel's "Wicked Problems" Theory[J]. Industrial & Engineering Design. 2026, 8(4): 10-20 https://doi.org/10.19798/j.cnki.2096-6946.2026.04.002

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