Innovation through Synthesis

By Jonathan Halls

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• Making connections is a powerful way to develop new ideas

• History is full of great examples of how two processes or concepts are brought together - or synthesized - to create a new one

• The printing press is a good example as is the Internet which is often described as being the result of convergence - a kind of synthesis

People often create new ideas by combining two existing ideas and synthesizing them.

The printing press is an ideal example of this. It was developed by combining the concept of the wine press with the use of ink. It’s also a process of making connections with different ideas.

One of the most powerful tools in the intellectual toolbox for creative thinkers is to make connections.

Connections occur when you consider a number of ideas together, recognise what is common and uncommon, and bring them together.

The Internet is a great example of synthesis. Initially it was the bringing together of computers and telephone networks. Now it is brings together audio and video.  In fact cyberspace is now a virtual world.

It also shows some evolution as well.

The Internet started as a U.S. defense strategy to ensure emergency communication channels should the United States’ main terrestrial communications systems go down.