thinking-cynefinlisted

# Cynefin Framework ## Overview The Cynefin framework, developed by Dave Snowden, classifies problems into domains based on the relationship between cause and effect. Different domains require fundamentally different approaches. Using the wrong approach for the domain leads to failure—agile doesn't fix truly complex problems, and detailed planning doesn't help in chaos. **Core Principle:** The nature of the problem determines the nature of the solution. Match your approach to the domain. ## When to Use - Choosing the right methodology for a project - Understanding why an approach isn't working - Designing processes for different problem types - Deciding how much to plan vs. experiment - Understanding organizational challenges - Incident response and crisis management Decision flow: ``` Facing a problem? → What's the relationship between cause and effect? → Obvious? → CLEAR DOMAIN → Requires analysis? → COMPLICATED DOMAIN → Only visible in retrospect? → COMPLEX DOMAIN → Cannot perceive? → CHAOTIC DOMAIN ``` ## The Five Domains ### 1. Clear (formerly Simple/Obvious) **Characteristics:** - Cause and effect are obvious to everyone - Best practices exist and work - Repeatable processes **Approach: Sense → Categorize → Respond** ``` Problem: Server disk is full Sense: Alert shows disk at 100% Categorize: Known issue with known fix Respond: Clear old logs, add monitoring Appropriate method: - Standard operating procedures - Checklists - Best practices