Understand the problem space first, then apply the tool, Bounded Applicability

• There may be ‘lots of tools out there’ but its very important to ‘know enough’ before applying a tool
• “If we work with tools without context, in other words we don’t know enough to know the tool doesn’t fit the situation, the intervention will suffer, as will the overall outcome.” (Viv Read, Cynefin: weaving sense-making into the fabric of our world)
  
• The start is to understand the problem space, and then (and only then) pick up, or design, applicable tools to assist
  • Be wary of anyone carrying around a codified method (‘tool’), looking for any place to use it.