Wicked Problem Solving with Tom Wujec

Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast

What if the way we think about problems is holding us back from solving them?
Tom Wujec — designer, technologist, and multiple-time TED speaker — joins Problem Solved to explore how visual problem solving can help industrial and systems engineers tackle challenges of every size, from simple process fixes to wicked problems like climate change and AI disruption.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why traditional problem-solving methods often fail
• The four types of problems — simple, complicated, complex, and wicked — and why they need different approaches
• The power of “plays” — structured, visual activities that align teams and unlock solutions
• How visualization frees up mental bandwidth, builds shared understanding, and drives better decisions
• Five key shifts engineers can make to become better collaborative problem-solvers

Whether you work in manufacturing, healthcare, tech, or supply chain, Tom’s approach will expand your toolkit and transform the way you lead teams through today’s most complex challenges.

Watch this episode on YouTube to see Tom's method's in action!

tomwujec.com

Ted Talks
Build a Tower, Build a Team
Got a Wicked Problem? First, Tell me how you make Toast
Making Ideas Visible
3 Ways the brain creates meaning

"Art Before Breakfast" by Danny Gregory

Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by IISE’s Performance Excellence Webinars.
Learn from global thought leaders on operational excellence, data analytics, leadership, and more.

Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes