Inviting stakeholders into research synthesis can reveal useful interpretations. It can also make a confident opinion look like a finding unless the evidence remains visible.
IDEO.org describes Collaborative Synthesis as analysing research and identifying insights with a stakeholder group. IDEO.org Design Kit — Collaborative Synthesis.
Bring the observations
For a character study, separate participant statements and observed behaviour from team assumptions. Let contributors explain why they connect particular pieces of evidence.
Preserve disagreement
A conflicting interpretation may identify a missing question or an overly broad theme. Do not erase it simply to produce a tidy workshop output. Record what is supported, what is contested and what needs further research. Shared participation should strengthen the reasoning rather than replace evidence with consensus.
Source reviewed 25 October 2026. Interpretation and original diagrams: PLUSHIP / Qunhe. Examples are illustrative.
Related reading
An Insight Statement Should Explain a Pattern in the Research
A Research Theme Should Accommodate Meaningful Differences