Understanding Complexity

Acerola Strategies · Problem Complexity Classifier

How to use this tool

  1. Enter a short title for your challenge.
  2. Complete Assessment A (5 questions). It estimates how "technical" or "wicked" the issue is.
  3. Complete Assessment B (6 questions). It places the issue on the Alford–Head Matrix and assigns a category.
  4. Review the guidance for methods matched to your category. For very wicked problems, we recommend Strategic Doing® alongside systems mapping and small, safe-to-fail experiments.
  5. Ready for help? Contact Acerola Strategies.

Problem summary

Assessment A

Technical ↔ Wicked Scale

Choose the statement that best fits. Scores range from 1 (more technical) to 5 (more wicked). Total of 5 questions.

1) Clarity: How well-defined is the problem?
2) Known Solutions: Do established solutions exist?
3) Stakeholder Agreement: Is there agreement on the problem and solution?
4) Stability: Does the problem change as you intervene?
5) Consequences: How reversible are the consequences of action?
Assessment B

Alford–Head Matrix Classifier

Six questions that roll up into two dimensions: Problem clarity & solutions and Stakeholder interests & knowledge. Each item is scored 1–3.

1) Is the problem clearly defined?
2) Is there consensus on what the problem is?
3) Is there a known solution?
4) Parties: cooperative, indifferent, or in conflict?
5) Do stakeholders have the knowledge needed?
6) Are stakeholders' goals and interests aligned?

What each category means — examples & suggested methods

Results from the assessments will map to one of nine categories. Expand the items below to review guidance and starter methods.

How Acerola Strategies helps with wicked & adaptive challenges

The Dynamic Doers Lab is our vehicle for turning adaptive complexity into structured momentum. Through design/do management and agile learning, we build the conditions for lasting change — not just plans.

  • Strategic Doing® facilitation — build agile coalitions and 30/30 action cycles to make progress in messy environments.
  • Systems mapping — reveal leverage points using causal-loop and actor maps, then design safe-to-fail experiments.
  • Cross-sector convening — align institutions, community partners, and funders around shared outcomes and shared measures.
  • Measurement & adaptive learning — rapid feedback loops, dashboards, and learning agendas that evolve as conditions change.
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