Synthesize Information From Various Sources to Create a Well-Rounded Definition

The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford, commonly known as the d.school, describes design thinking as a five-stage process It’s important to note these stages are not always sequential and designers can often run the stages in parallel, out of order and repeat them in an iterative fashion.

The various stages of design thinking should be understood as different modes which contribute to the entire design project, rather than sequential steps. The ultimate goal throughout is to derive as deep an understanding of the product and its users as possible.

Synthesizing information from various sources to create a well-rounded definition involves several steps:

Identify Sources: Gather information from diverse and reliable sources relevant to the topic or concept you're defining. These sources might include books, articles, expert opinions, websites, and empirical studies.

Extract Key Ideas: Read through each source carefully and extract the key ideas, concepts, and definitions related to your topic. Look for commonalities and differences among the sources.

Compare and Contrast: Compare and contrast the definitions and viewpoints presented in the different sources. Identify areas of agreement and disagreement.

Analyze Context: Consider the context in which each definition or viewpoint was developed. This might include historical, cultural, or disciplinary contexts that shape perspectives on the topic.

Identify Core Elements: Identify the core elements or essential characteristics of the concept based on the information gathered. What aspects are consistently emphasized across sources?

Resolve Discrepancies: If there are discrepancies or conflicting information among the sources, critically evaluate the evidence and arguments presented to determine which interpretation is most credible or applicable.

Integrate Perspectives: Integrate the various perspectives and insights gathered from the sources to create a comprehensive and well-rounded definition. Consider how different viewpoints complement each other or provide a more nuanced understanding of the concept.

Refine and Articulate: Refine the synthesized definition to ensure clarity, precision, and coherence. Use clear and concise language to articulate the definition in a way that captures its essence and communicates it effectively to others.

Provide Examples: Where appropriate, provide examples or illustrations to clarify the meaning of the defined concept and demonstrate its practical application.

Review and Revise: Review the synthesized definition and seek feedback from peers or experts if possible. Revise as needed to ensure accuracy and completeness.

View the following video to get a better understanding of the importance and purpose of the learning outcomes assessment rubric of this module.