Analysis + Synthesis

The core design process class at the Institute of Design; students will learn a flexible and systematic approach for problem solving.

“

The tools and practices from this class are the ones I use most often at work. I still refer to the slides frequently.

—ID alum

Objective & Outcomes

The focus on methods has created the erroneous belief that in order to think like a designer you simply need to fill out a set of methods templates. The comprehensive problem-solving process (AKA design) is far more complex. This course will teach a three-phase process:

Start the process by thinking deeply about the issues involved (not the problem).
Establish a point of view and a clear direction for moving forward.
Produce a detailed plan for the implementation of your intervention.

The process will act as a scaffolding for three levels of learning: design outcomes, ways of thinking, and specific practices.

Design outcomes: what we build, the consequences, and the results of the process.
Ways of thinking: how we think, the modes and approaches we use to achieve the design outcomes.
Specific practices: what we do, the techniques and tools used during the process.

After completing this course, students will demonstrate:

Command of a rigorous but flexible process that can be applied to most design problems
Demonstrated proficiency in producing intended design outcomes
Dexterity of thinking: from strategy to implementation details
Ability to select and apply appropriate practices during a design project

Typical Schedule

Session 1: Conduct Research
Session 2: Clustering & Building Frameworks
Session 3: Coding Data
Session 4: User Needs to Specs
Session 5: Agile / User Stories
Session 6: Systems
Session 7: Quantitative Reasoning
Session 8: How Might We & Design Principles
Session 9: Brainstorming Methods
Session 10: Systemic Exploration
Session 11: Concept Systems
Session 12: Decision Making
Session 13: Experiments & Prototyping