LinkLog: Getting More From Analysis | UX Magazine

Analysis—the focus of this article—includes the activities of audience research, contextual inquiry, mapping of business processes, and documentation of requirements. Analysis covers any area that deals with understanding the problem and defining the desired outcomes. Analysis is about understanding the “why” and “what” of a project.

Synthesis is the part of the process where solutions are created and various design elements are pulled together into a working solution. Synthesis covers any area that deals with “how” things are done.

Evaluation is where judgments are made concerning the analysis and synthesis. Evaluation of the analysis gives direction and prioritizes requirements. Evaluation of synthesis exposes whether a proposed or completed solution is doing the job it’s intended to do.