Framework
Decision

Cynefin Framework

Clear, complicated, complex, chaotic, confused

Best for
matching approach to context
Time
30–60 min
Difficulty
Advanced
Cynefin framework diagram — the five domainsFour domains arranged around a central fifth. The domains are Clear, Complicated, Complex and Chaotic, with Confused (or disorder) at the centre where it is not yet known which domain applies.ComplicatedComplexClearChaotic
The Cynefin framework: clear, complicated, complex and chaotic domains around a central state of disorder.
Example

Matching response style to context during a major incident

Clear / obvious
  • Sense, categorize, respond
  • Runbook applies
Complicated
  • Sense, analyze, respond
  • Call in domain experts
Complex
  • Probe, sense, respond
  • Run safe-to-fail experiments
Chaotic
  • Act, sense, respond
  • Stop the bleeding first

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Expected Value

Σ probability × outcome

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