Understand
Synthesis
Turning many research notes into a few clear explanations of what people need.
What is Synthesis?
Turning many research notes into a few clear explanations of what people need.
What you learn
Group observations by the need behind them, not surface details.
When it helps
you have pages of notes and no clear picture of what they mean.
Use it at work
- Put each observation on its own note.
- Group notes by the need behind them, not their topic.
- Name each group as a need: “I need to...”
- Keep notes that don’t fit on their own list.
Your output
In your next synthesis, name each group as a need in people’s words: “I need to...” Keep notes that don’t fit on a separate list.
Watch for
Grouping notes by device, screen or wording.
Related practices
- Evidence Review
- Problem Framing
- Reflexivity
- Qualitative Coding
- Research Triangulation
- Mental Models
- Research Personas
Sources
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