SYNECTICS

Presented by

Gretchen Chern& Rebecca Mahl

HISTORY

Developed by George M. Prince & Bill Gordon in the 1950s

Recorded and analyzed innovation sessions

“Success” defined as getting a creative solution that the group was committed to implement

Set up Synectics Inc. (now Synecticsworld) in

1960

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METHOD

synectics –Greek term synectikos

Joining together of different and apparently

irrelevant elements into a unified whole.

Combines group interaction rules with a

creative process centered around the use of

metaphor and drawing analogies from

diverse disciplines.

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METHOD

Synectic Triggor Mechanisms

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Add Transfer Change Style

Distort Prevaricate

Subtract Empathize Substitute Disguise Analogize

Repeat Animate Fragment Contradict

Hybridize

Combine Superimpose

Isolate Parody Metamorphose

Symbolize

Mythologize

Fantasize

Key Idea: new thoughts, designs, and inventions can be generated by applying Synectic trigger mechanisms.

METHOD

Synectic Think Cycle / Synectic Three R’s

Referring: The general subject and specific problem is defined. (research/background)

Reflecting: Imaginative manipulation of the problem, exploring alternatives, possible solutions, and translations of various types.

Reconstruction: Reinventing or transforming. Taking apart the problem or its existing solution and assembling it a different way. (involves Synectic trigger mechanisms)

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PROBLEM

How can we help make recycling a habitual part of daily life?

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EXAMPLE SOLUTION

Attributes of water bottle:

Holds water, flexible, plastic, clear, blue, opens on top, top screws on, provides hydration to people

Helping to make recycling a daily habit is like a water bottle because…

you need transparency to show people what is in the bins, how it works and where items are going…

so you could make bins transparent and include clear directions and information about the process 7

CLASS EXERCISE

Step 1:

Count off in threes (1,2,3, repeat) to make three groups

Step 2:

Spin the wheel to find the metaphor for your group

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CLASS EXERCISE

Step 3:

List attributes of metaphor individually (3 min)

Step 4:

Discuss attributes with group (5 min)

Step 5:

The problem is like this object because… (5 min)

Step 6:

Discuss as a group (12 min)

Record main connections and build off ideas of others

Share ideas with class

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