---
description: Use when determining the right approach by classifying the type of problem you face
---

# Cynefin Framework

Classify problems into one of four domains — Clear, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic — to select the appropriate response strategy instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

## Steps

1. **Describe the situation** — Lay out the problem, its context, and what is known vs. unknown.
2. **Classify the domain:**
   - **Clear** — Cause and effect are obvious. Best practice exists. Sense-Categorize-Respond.
   - **Complicated** — Cause and effect discoverable with analysis. Sense-Analyze-Respond. Bring in experts.
   - **Complex** — Cause and effect only visible in hindsight. Probe-Sense-Respond. Run safe-to-fail experiments.
   - **Chaotic** — No cause and effect discernible. Act-Sense-Respond. Stabilize first, then assess.
3. **Select the response pattern** — Match your approach to the domain classification above.
4. **Watch for domain shifts** — Monitor whether the situation moves between domains over time.
5. **Act accordingly** — Execute the response, then reassess the domain classification.

## Output Format

A classification statement naming the domain with evidence, the recommended response pattern, proposed actions, and signals to watch for domain shifts.