Synectics

Method

Imperial, Christine
Synectics
The method of Gordon/Little is based on
the technique of Synectics:

Synectics is a problem solving methodology

that stimulates thought processes of which
the subject may be unaware.
 3 Maxims of Synectics Theory

◍ When people become aware of the psychological

processes that affect their behavior, creative
output increases.
◍ The emotional part of creative behavior
overshadows the intellectual component.
◍ The emotional and irrational components should
be understood and employed as tools to boost
creative output
 History
◍ Synectics was co-developed in the 1950s by George M. Prince and William
J.J. Gordon, while they were working in the Arthur D. Little Invention
Design Unit.
◍ The name Synectics comes from the Greek and means "the joining together
of different and apparently irrelevant elements”.
◍ Gordon and Prince named both their practice and their new
company Synectics, which can cause confusion as people not part
of the company are trained and use the practice. While the name
was trademarked, it has become a standard word for describing
creative problem solving in groups.
 5 Steps of Synectics Theory

Situation: a problem has to be solved, for

solving it we need a team of people who
don’t know which is the real problem.
 5 Steps of Synectics Theory

◍ 1st step: The team has to answer an abstract

question but somewhat connected to the real
question.
◍ 2nd step: The team keeps answering question
every time more focused on the real problem.
 5 Steps of Synectics Theory

◍ 3rd step: The real question is revealed to the

team, in this point they stop analyze the answer
given to the previous questions relating them to
the topic.
◍ 4th step: The team now have to try to solve the
real problem based on the analysis done before.
 5 Steps of Synectics Theory

◍ 5th step: The team leader makes an analysis of

pros and cons of the answers given to the real
question and repeats the question to the team,
who should try to improve the solution with the
analysis given from the leader.
This step can be repeated until successful answer
is given.
Pros Cons
◍ The answers not ◍ Initial answer may not
preconceived. be related with the
◍ A new fresh view of the topic.
problem.
◍ More original answer