What is Synectics 2.0?
Synectics was developed in the 1960s as one of the first structured approaches to creative problem-solving. Synectics 2.0 updates this methodology for contemporary challenges, providing structured constraints that focus thinking without limiting imagination. AI is integrated as a thinking partner, designed to extend human judgment rather than automate it. The goal isn’t to generate more options. It’s to surface genuinely novel viewpoints that support real decisions.
What It Helps Teams Do
Move beyond recycled options and entrenched positions.
See the assumption nobody noticed because it felt like common sense.
Find the option no one had considered. Not just more ideas, but better ones.
Stop going in circles. Structured thinking that moves things forward.
Leave with a decision that everyone owns. Not a list of options to debate later.
How It Works
A three-stage structure that moves from clarity to action.
1
Framing the challenge
An initial conversation to understand what you’re actually facing.
- What’s the real challenge?
- What’s been tried before?
- Where is progress blocked?
- Who needs to be in the room?
2
Facilitated thinking session
Small groups work through three phases of structured thinking.
- Understanding
- Speculation
- Viewpoints
3
Synthesis and next steps
Clarifying decisions, articulating actionable next steps, and ensuring team ownership. No unused reports.
AI as a thinking partner: Where it adds value, AI is integrated as a tool to extend thinking, not replace it. Human judgement remains central throughout.
What You Get
- A decision: Teams typically leave with 5-10 actionable directions and the clarity to choose between them.
- The problem solved: Not deferred, not delegated, not added to next quarter’s roadmap.
- Shared ownership of the solution: Everyone was in the room. Everyone contributed and all feel involved.
- A repeatable way of thinking: The methodology transfers. Your team can use it again.
Is This The Right Fit?
When this works well:
- The challenge is genuinely strategic or directional
- Progress is blocked by uncertainty or entrenched thinking
- Multiple perspectives need to be brought together
- People are prepared to explore divergent ideas before converging on action.
This isn’t the right fit when:
- The issue is purely executional
- The answer is already known but not being acted on
- Participants are disengaged or attending performatively
- A quick answer is needed without time for collaboration or detailed thinking.
Ready to think differently?
Book a 20-minute discovery call and we’ll work out if this is the right approach for your challenge.