Little of constructive value to glean from this. Stilted academia in the first part and collected articles on various methods of synthesis for the rest, presented rather woodenly. For less theory and more punch, try Tom Peters's frenetic, staccato ADD short book titled Design ( )

Good description of the synthesis process that sits between research & design. As an introduction to the idea of design synthesis as a specific set of methods to be applied in the design process, this is a great read.

The format in which the methods were presented was difficult—it's not clear why, at a given stage of the journey from data->wisdom, one method ought to be chosen over another, or the specific conditions that are best suited to a certain method.

There are a number of case studies. Some, like the Dubberly Design Office Java Map, clearly lay out the strategy and tactics behind the method employed, allowing one to help identify when & how such a method works in the context of a real project. Some do not.

Still, recommended to any practitioners not well-versed in the ideas of synthesis as a discrete piece of the design process. ( )

In interaction design, there is a general sense that work progresses from doing research, collecting data, learning about the design situation -- to creating ideas for new products and services. But as Kolko amply points out, synthesis (the step from learning to creating) is not very well supported in existing interaction-design methodology and teaching. Experience seems to be the main route to synthesis proficiency. Kolko sets out to fill that gap by providing some steps towards a theory of synthesis (mostly based on the psychology of problem-solving and creativity) and a set of methods that support the synthesis process and makes it visible. Interestingly, there is also a useful discussion of the role of synthesis work in a business context. Overall, I find that the book provides some useful additions to the toolset of professional interaction designers and interaction design teachers.