Design Thinking
SYNTHESIZE
Identifying key insights ripe for innovation
Course Content for ENT3607 Innovation by Design - Syllabus
Design Thinking > How Might We > Team > Plan > Empathize > Synthesize > Reframe > Ideate > Select > Build > Pitch
To synthesize is to combine individual insights of team members into a coherent shared understanding of the problem.
We are not yet considering solutions!
Synthesize
After the empathy research is done, team members assemble with their individual insights to make sense of what they’ve learned through a process called synthesizing. The primary tool for synthesizing is a Sense-making Affinity Map.
An Affinity Map is a sticky note tool used to assist a group in reaching consensus. Team members share their insights, one per sticky note, then arrange them into thematic groups. When used in sense-making, the process helps organize the conversation around important insights about the problem to guide your next steps.
The opportunity to innovate is often born in the synthesis process. Team members should work to identify insights and pain points that are “ripe for innovation.” Ones that have been overlooked by previous efforts to solve the problem, but are key to unlocking an impactful solution.
Activities
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Sense-making Affinity Map
In-class Activity
30-minutesGoal: to identify insights that will help reframe the HMW to an area of the problem that is ripe for innovation.
Each team member writes their insights on sticky notes, one-per note.
Share your insights with your team by laying them out on the board, one at a time. If a team mate has a similar insight, group them together.
Through this method clusters will form around themes. Label the clusters and decide which insights and clusters your team should pursue as you reframe your HMW.
Check your understanding of Synthesizing
What is the purpose of Synthesizing?
What is the purpose of an Affinity Map and how is it used?
What are the qualities of insights that are “ripe for innovation”?