Synectics
Keywords Creative Problem solving Confrontational
What Is Synectics?
Analogies
problem
For the assessment of the new solution possibilities,
The synectics procedure (see figure 2.27) was set up
the synectics approach introduces yet another
by Gordon and Prince (1976). It is a comprehensive
special technique: ‘itemised response’ (see ‘Itemised
creative procedure, containing techniques for problem
Response and PMI’ in section 2.3). To every idea
analysis, idea generation and the selection stage.
there are both good sides (the pluses) and poor or
Synectics concentrates on the idea generation steps
bad sides (the minuses). By breaking down the idea
as given
with the use of analogies. Analogies allow for moving
into pluses and minuses and then trying to turn the
analysis
away from the original problem statement and making
minuses into pluses (for example, through a creativity
restating problem
a forced fit to develop solutions on the basis of these
method), the original idea may be - systematically -
analogies. The synectics procedure is also based on
transformed into a better one.
purge - ‘shredding the known’
analogies springboards explore analogy
the process of (1) preparation, (2) incubation, (3) illumination and (4) verification (Wallas, 1926). The
Visual Synectics
incubation and illumination stages are now brought
A variation is that of visual synectics: quiet images
about through the use of analogies: ‘To make the
and music are introduced to induce an incubation
strange familiar and the familiar strange’.
phase. Music and images let people quietly simmer away, daydream on the images and on the music.
distil principles
‘forced fit’ making connections between analogy and original problem statement
approaches to solutions
itemised response (+/– reaction)
develop idea into concept
fig. 2.27 The Synectics Process (Tassoul, 2006)
In the preparatory stages, there is a problem briefing
This is done for some length of time after which
by the problem owner, an extensive problem analysis
there comes a switch to much more active music and
phase through questioning by the participants, and
images on the basis of which the participants now
definition of a problem statement into ‘one single
have to generate ideas, similar to the brainstorming
concrete target’. After this, a purging phase takes
or brainwriting presented earlier .
place in which known and immediate ideas are collected and recorded. This phase is also called
When Can You Use Synectics?
‘Shredding the Known’. From this point on, analogies
Synectics is best applied for more complex and
are used to estrange yourself from the original
intricate problems. Synectics can be used in groups
problem statement and come up with inspirations for
as well as individually. With an untrained group, the
new solutions and approaches. These analogies take
facilitator will have to work in small steps at a time;
a number of forms that are presented in figure 2.27.
he or she must have enough experience to inspire the group through such a process.
Delft Design Guide | Part 2 | Creating Product Ideas and Concepts | Synectics –
2.2