Moving from the Research Mode to the Synthesize Mode using the ChangeMaker Innovation Process™ provides an opportunity to narrow the focus to an immediate opportunity and/or specific problem.
Define:
Define an area that is large enough for innovation, but bounded enough to enhance success. Solving a smaller part of the more significant problem is worth the effort! How can I narrow my focus based on synthesized information? What is my point of view?
One must learn to acknowledge what they already know (schema) and then identify how their knowledge has changed because of discoveries in the Research Mode. When a person is given an opportunity to combine their schema with their new knowledge, they will be better equipped to narrow their focus and acknowledge their point of view.
Using the 3-Column Notes graphic organizer may be a great first step. The graphic allows a person to chart out the following three columns:
- What I Already Know/Schema
- What I Learned from the Research Mode
- My NEW Combined Knowledge/Schema
The purpose of the Synthesize Mode is to eventually arrive at crafting a “Point of View Statement” that clearly conveys the problem an individual is striving to solve or the opportunity they are seeking to create.
The “Point of View Statement Card” is a helpful, foundational tool to be used when tackling a design challenge or using innovation to solve a problem or create an opportunity. The discoveries and insights from the Research and Synthesize Modes help in creating the “Point of View Statement.”
What are the most pertinent things I discovered in the Synthesize Mode?
After drilling down all of the details, what is the ultimate problem or opportunity needing to be solved?
What is the “WHY” behind the problem I am seeking to solve or the opportunity I am desiring to create?
For those that are interested we have many more methods, graphic organizers, and activities for the Synthesize Mode in our Methods For Education Book!
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