Synthesis
Synthesis is where qualitative research data comes together. It provides tools for affinity mapping, participant tracking with session notes, and insight clustering. The synthesis view helps researchers identify patterns and themes across multiple research sessions.
How it works
Synthesis combines three main components: Participant Tracking for managing session notes, Affinity Mapping for organizing observations, and analytics displays for NPS/SUS summaries. Data flows from individual session notes into clustered observations.
Participant tracking
For each participant, you can capture structured session notes including: key quotes (tagged by type), key insights, pain points, delights, feature requests, workflow observations, integration needs, follow-up questions, and technical issues. Notes support both interview and usability session types.
Affinity mapping
Affinity mapping organizes observations into themed clusters. Sticky notes are categorized by type: Barrier (pain points), Insight (observations), Opportunity (ideas), and Quote (verbatim participant statements). Notes can be dragged between clusters to refine categorization.
| Note Type | Color | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Barrier | Rose/Pink | Problems, blockers, friction points |
| Insight | Yellow | Observations, learnings, patterns |
| opportunity | Green | Ideas, improvements, possibilities |
| Quote | Purple | Direct participant quotes |
Predefined clusters
Common cluster themes are available as templates: Onboarding Barriers, Documentation Gaps, What Works Well, Emerging Opportunities, User Frustrations, Feature Requests, Workflow Issues, Learning Curve, Integration Challenges, Performance Concerns, UI/UX Feedback, Communication Gaps, Success Stories, and Quick Wins.
Related features
Synthesis notes can reference Participants and Sessions. Evidence from synthesis can be attached to Hypotheses as supporting or refuting evidence. The export function allows exporting synthesis data to PDF or CSV. Import/export supports transferring research data between projects.