a creative metaphor for complexity

A Creative Metaphorfor ComplexityAli Anani, PhD

Many people are confused with complexity and shy off from it

Strangely, complexity arises from SIMPLE rules. However; people are finding it difficult to grasp

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

One easy way of explaining complexity

is through the useof Cynefin Framework

I believe one reason for experiencing the difficulty in understanding Cynefin is the use of different examples to explain its domains

How about finding varieties of the same example to explain it?

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

We know which key fits which lock

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

We know which key fits which lock

We know we have the right keys and locks, but we have to inspect and try to fit each key to its lock

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

We know which key fits which lock

We know we have the right keys and locks, but we have to inspect and try to fit each key to its lock

We aren’t sure which which for a lock, but we watch out for patterns to match them

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

We know which key fits which lock

We know we have the right keys and locks, but we have to inspect and try to fit each key to its lock

We aren’t sure which which for a lock, but we watch out for patterns to match them

We have the wrong keysfor the locks

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

You have the right keys to the lock.

The keys are procedures and best practices

You have to analyze to find which key for each lock

There are repeating patterns for keys and locks which you have to find

You have keys andlocks that don’t match

Imagine if you were in the chaos domain.You have the wrong keys and locksWhat to do?

You have to move out of this situation soonest; else shall go out of control

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

The two options available are either to move to simple or complex

The two options available are either to move to simple or complex

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

We follow this path if we find simple rules embedded in chaos

The two options available are either to move to simple or complex

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

Mostly, we have to follow this path

The two options available are either to move to simple or complex

We follow this path if we find simple rules embedded in chaos

We need to identify repeating pattern through:Probe-sense- Respond

Complex Complicated

SimpleChaos

Mostly, we have to follow this path

The two options available are either to move to simple or complex

We follow this path if we find simple rules embedded in chaos

Just imagine how best you would identify patterns or new paths so that you fall in the complex domain

Do what ants doThey diverge to look for new sources of food and then converge once a new path has been identified

Look for new ideas till you identify a new path or pattern to help you find the right key for the right lock

I hope this presentation helps you find the right key for the right lock