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Design Thinking: Analysis vs Synthesis

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Analysis is a problem solving method that seeks to break a problem down in order to solve it. Synthesis seeks to solve a problem by building prototype solutions.
Analysis is associated with the scientific method while synthesis is associated with design professions such as architecture. Synthesis relies on the talent of a designer who can immediately begin playing with solutions to a problem.
It is often suggested that synthesis is the basis for design thinking. That is to say, that design is solution-focused whereas science, logic and data-driven techniques tend to be problem-focused.
Analysis vs Synthesis
Analysis
Synthesis
Definition
Breaking a problem down to identify its components and parameters.
Building up solutions to a problem.
Example
A market study of the most popular features in a mid-sized luxury car.
Building models of prototype cars and watching customers interact with them.

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