Synthesis - Synthesis Formulation of a whole from a set of...

nthesis Synthesis
Formulation of a whole from a set of
building blocks
“Constrained Creativity”

aradigm #1 ( oland Paradigm #1 (Voland)
Needs
Assessment
Problem
Formulation
Implementation
Abstraction and
Synthesis
Analysis

nthesis and Creativity Synthesis and Creativity
• nthesis ‐ ombining of parts or elements into a Synthesis Combining of parts or elements into a
whole (Analysis breaks the whole into parts)
• Synthesis ‐ Reasoning from principles or assumptions
to the conclusion
• Creativity ‐ Bring into being, cause to exist, produce
• Creativity ‐ Evolve from thought or imagination
• Synthesis is present in the menu, whereas creativity y p , y
is present in the chef

me Observations Some Observations
• nalysis can be taught in the classroom Analysis can be taught in the classroom
• Synthesis and Creativity cannot be taught, but
ey can be encouraged they can be encouraged
• Striking engineering designs and noteworthy
innovations are produced by highly creative
individuals or teams
• Creative ideas are fragile at birth, and may die
prematurely if abandoned.

Source of the following material:
oland gineering by Design 2
nd
Voland, Engineering by Design, 2
ed . Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper
Saddle River, 2004

arriers Creativity Barriers to Creativity
• e have knowledge blocks We have knowledge blocks
– We all suffer from knowledge blocks to some degree
e need to develop a deep scientific base from which We need to develop a deep scientific base from which
to draw ideas
– Solution is continuing education and life ‐ long learning
• We encounter perceptual blocks
– We rely on stereotyped solutions
– We work under imagined constraints
– We experience information overload – too much data

arriers to Overcome, cont’d Barriers to Overcome, cont d
• We experience emotional blocks
– We all fear failure
– We feel uncomfortable departing from traditional
aths paths
– We accept the status quo
– We become impatient
• We face cultural blocks and expectations
– Our employer may discourage innovation to avoid
king risks taking risks
– This may prevent us from doing routine tasks in a new
and better way

arriers to Overcome, cont’d Barriers to Overcome, cont d
• e may have expressive blocks We may have expressive blocks
– We are unable to communicate effectively
ur verbal and visual communications are – Our verbal and visual communications are
essential to the effectiveness of our work