Defining synthesis: on the senses and the logic of design synthesis

Abstract

This chapter comprises two parts. In the first part I shall discuss different meanings of the words “synthesis” and “analysis” and look at some different views on synthesis and analysis in design. Synthesis, in its general sense, is the combining or mixing of ideas or things into new ideas and things. In design, functional and physical representations of subsystems, as well as the viewpoints and interests of stakeholders are synthesised. In design theory and design methodology “synthesis” is looked at as a phase of the design process, as well as a function of problem solving. According to the first view, exhaustive problem analysis must precede solution synthesis. According to the second view, synthesis is part of a general problem-solving cycle that occurs in all phases of the design process. The second part focuses on the pattern of reasoning of synthesis. “Synthesis” can be looked at as reasoning from statements about the functions or behaviour of a new product towards statements about its form or structure. Many authors take abduction as the characteristic pattern of reasoning for this crucial step in design. I shall demonstrate that two fundamentally different forms of abduction can be distinguished: explanatory abduction and innovative abduction. What is usually understood by “abduction” is explanatory abduction, but synthesis in the sense of reasoning from function to form follows the pattern of innovative abduction, or “innoduction” This means that the form does not indisputably follow from the functions to be fulfilled and that, in principle, there are always many good solutions. The reasoning from function to form is a creative process, which can be encouraged methodically, but cannot be logically guaranteed.