# Problem-Solving in Product Innovation Based on the Cynefin Framework-Aided TRIZ
## 2 Related Research
### Cynefin Framework  
Cynefin is a Welsh word meaning habitat or place, which can be understood as the location of affiliation [40]. The Cynefin framework is used to analyze external environment changes in systems. For different environmental changes, different measures for solving similar problems in the past are used. The Cynefin framework considers five areas of causality of the problem, including simple, complicated, complex, chaotic, and disorder areas [21,41,42], as shown in Figure 1. The characteristics of each problem area are as follows. (1) The causality of simple problems is stable and clear, and the causes of the problems are clearly visible and understood in a uniform way. The simple problem is dealt with by the sense-categorize-respond model. Specifically, the problem is classified to match past experience, and the solution is found based on the existing experience. (2) The causality of complicated problems is not obvious, and the network is intertwined. A problem may be caused by multiple reasons, or one cause leads to multiple results, and these relationships are not intuitive. The problems are dealt with by the sense-analyze-respond model. Experts in related fields analyze the problems to form the solution. (3) The causality of complex problems exists, but the causality cannot be determined before the problem is solved. The problem needs to be deduced through review, which is dealt with by the probe-sense-respond model. Specifically, the problems are solved exploratory. The causality of the problem is dynamic and uncertain to require the tentative emergence of solutions. A preliminary plan is formed after problem screening, and the plan is then revised based on the feedback. (4) The causality of the chaotic problem is unknown. The cause of the problem cannot be understood as uncertain changes. It is meaningless to find the problem reason. Decisive measures are required to stop the problem from continuing. The chaotic problem is dealt with by the act-sense-respond model. Specifically, an action has to be taken quickly for its interventions and transition to the complex problem. The problem solution can then the sought further. (5) The disorder problem is the starting point for the analysis of the problem and consists of one or more of the above-mentioned areas. The problem in this area is divided into one or more of the above-mentioned areas based on the analysis of the external environment. The problem can then be handled with the problem-solving method of the corresponding area.  
The Cynefin framework has been used in a variety of fields for different applications. It has served as a starting point for the problem analysis in decision-making [43]. Based on the results of studies [21, 44], [PERSON] [45] discussed the system area of the Cynefin framework in response to the external environment changes for problem-solving. The Cynefin framework was applied in the complexity analysis of the product innovation process to analyze both the type of external environmental changes and the improvement process of the technological system. The Cynefin framework is also used in fields of knowledge management [46, 47] and healthcare [48, 49, 50]. The problem analysis using the Cynefin framework provides decision-makers an appropriate tool to consider uncertain and environmental changes for the best solution to the problem.  
The analysis of problems under external environment changes is a dynamic and uncertain decision-making process. Existing applications of the Cynefin framework are only for identifying problems. That is insufficient to classify problems encountered in the process of product innovation and transform the problem into the solution area. It is noted that the framework can be redefined by users to support decision-making based on specific scenarios [18, 21]. Therefore, this paper combines the Cynefin framework with conflict-solving tools of TRIZ and Ashby's law [51] to reconfigure the existing Cynefin framework as an effective tool for problem-solving of product innovation.