In 30 seconds
- Different situations need different approaches.
- Agile fits the complex domain best.
- Created by Dave Snowden.
The domains
| Domain | Cause and effect | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | Obvious | Sense, categorize, respond: best practice |
| Complicated | Knowable with expertise | Sense, analyse, respond: good practice |
| Complex | Only clear in hindsight | Probe, sense, respond: experiment |
| Chaotic | No clear link | Act, sense, respond: stabilize first |
| Confusion | Unknown which domain | Break the situation into parts |
Dave Snowden developed Cynefin from the late 1990s. The "clear" domain was earlier called simple or obvious.
Why agile fits complex work
Most product development is complex: you can't know in advance exactly what users want. That's why empirical, experiment-driven approaches like Scrum work well there.
Using it
Ask which domain a problem sits in before choosing an approach. Complicated problems may need expert analysis; complex ones need experiments.
Myth vs reality
Myth · Everything is complex.
Reality · Many problems are complicated or clear.
Myth · Cynefin is a 2x2 matrix.
Reality · It's a sense-making model with fluid boundaries.
Myth · Best practices work everywhere.
Reality · They only work in the clear domain.
FAQ
How is Cynefin pronounced?
Roughly "kuh-NEV-in"; it's a Welsh word for habitat.
Can a problem change domains?
Yes, often as understanding grows.
How do teams use Cynefin?
To choose between analysis and experimentation.