Synthesis Wall

When to use Synthesis Wall

Use this method after user research to analyze findings, identify key insights, and develop a shared understanding of user needs and pain points among team members.

What it solves

Difficulty synthesizing large amounts of qualitative data, lack of shared understanding of research findings, and difficulty translating research into actionable design insights.

How to run Synthesis Wall, step by step

1. Prepare the Wall (10 min). Define the structure (e.g., by user, journey stage, theme) on a physical or digital wall.
2. Individual Note Posting (20 min). Have each team member write down relevant observations and insights from the research on individual sticky notes (one idea per note).
3. Collaborative Clustering (30 min). As a group, move the sticky notes around to form clusters based on similarities and relationships. Discuss the emerging themes.
4. Insight Identification (30 min). Identify key insights and patterns from the clusters. Document these insights and their implications for the design process.
5. Debrief and Next Steps (10 min). Summarize the key findings and determine the next steps based on the insights gained.

Materials needed

• Sticky notes (various colors)
• Markers
• Large wall or whiteboard
• Tape (if using a physical wall)
• Digital whiteboard (e.g., Miro, Mural) for remote teams

Facilitator tips

• Encourage diverse perspectives during the clustering process.
• Ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute and share their insights.
• Be flexible with the structure of the wall as new themes emerge.

Common pitfalls

• Getting bogged down in individual details and losing sight of the big picture. Encourage the team to focus on patterns and themes.
• Dominant voices overshadowing quieter participants. Actively solicit input from all team members.
• Lack of clear structure leading to chaos. Ensure a well-defined structure is in place before starting.

Variations

• Use different colored sticky notes to represent different types of data (e.g., user quotes, observations, pain points).
• Conduct a silent clustering activity where participants move sticky notes without talking, followed by a discussion.
• Incorporate affinity mapping techniques to further refine the clusters and identify relationships between themes.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural to create a shared wall. Ensure participants can add and move sticky notes virtually.

What it produces

A structured wall of sticky notes organized by themes, user journeys, or personas, with identified insights and key takeaways.

Origin

Adapted from Service Design Tools — source

Build a session around Synthesis Wall

METODIC places Synthesis Wall inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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