Design Research — Part 2: Synthesis

Converting data from research into useful information effectively.

After we conduct an interview with the respondent, we can turn the results into data. However, the freshly obtained data are still raw and incomprehensible, so we need to convert them into useful information. This process is called Synthesis.

In this article, I will elaborate on the conversion steps, along with useful examples!

Step 1: Downloading the collected data

First, we need to collect all the information or statement that we got from the respondents. Usually, each statement will be written in a single card (if you’re using Miro or other whiteboarding accounts) or post-it so we can see how many statements we have.

example:

Step 2: Categorizing

After we collected data from the respondents, we need to categorize them based on meaning or purpose. You can also use different signs or colors to mark each category. There is no rule in determining which color or sign to use, it depends on your team’s agreement.

For example, these are the colors that we use:

• Blue: Observation
• Pink: Pain points
• Grey: What’s working well
• Yellow: Opportunity Areas

And here’s how we group the statements:

Step 3: Clustering

We now have neatly categorized data on our hands, which makes it easier to discover patterns or similarities in the “Why”. This is a gold mine for useful insights!

Here are some tips for neat clustering:

• collect the statements that have the same pattern or problem
• Define “the why” or that problem

Step 4: Finding recommendations

We have unearthed the precious patterns, now what? It’s time to rake our brains for the “So What” (or recommendations) for each of them!

For instance, we discovered the following problem statements :

• Conducting transactions from multiple banks is complicated and takes a lot of effort.
• Managing and monitoring your business’ finances from multiple bank accounts is difficult.

Recommendation:

• How might we assist the user in simplifying the process of managing, monitoring, and conducting business transactions from multiple bank accounts?

➡️ The answer? We need a platform that allows us to manage multiple accounts!

What’s Next??

We now have a better understanding of the problems and a possible solution in mind.

The next step is to compile these findings into a neat, presentable, and simple report, especially if you have to present the findings to stakeholders. Even if you’re conducting the research for personal reasons (for example, to build a portfolio or to gain a new perspective), keeping it organized will help you understand the report better in the future.

So, the final part of this series will focus on how to turn your research findings into a well-polished report.

Like what you are reading? And are you someone who likes to do research and provide solutions to problems? Come and join your peers here!