Lesson 1.3: Synthesize Data Using Affinity Diagrams

Templates & Tools

Downloadable templates and worksheets to streamline your synthesis process from insight extraction through Problem Tree integration.

Available Templates

These templates provide structured formats for documenting your synthesis work at each phase. Adapt them to your context and workflow.

Insight Extraction Template

Word
125 KB Analysis

Systematically extract insights from each stakeholder conversation with source attribution and context.

Beginner
Download

Affinity Analysis Worksheet

Excel
210 KB Analysis

Document themes with supporting quotes, Problem Tree implications, and action insights.

Intermediate
Download

Problem Tree Integration Checklist

PDF
185 KB Evaluation

Ensure thorough integration of synthesis themes into your Problem Tree with traceability.

Intermediate
Download

Synthesis Summary Report

Word
230 KB Communication

Comprehensive summary template for sharing synthesis findings with team and stakeholders.

Intermediate
Download

📚 Usage Guides

How to Use These Templates for Individual Work

  1. 1

    Download and customize

    Adapt templates to your specific context and needs.

  2. 2

    Work phase-by-phase

    Use Insight Extraction during Phase 1, Affinity Worksheet during Phases 2-4.

  3. 3

    Document as you go

    Don't wait until end to complete templates.

  4. 4

    Use for traceability

    Templates create audit trail from stakeholder voices to project decisions.

Pro Tips

  • Maintain traceability from stakeholder insights to project decisions
  • Document as you work, not retroactively
  • Adapt templates to match your workflow preferences

How to Use These Templates for Team Collaboration

  1. 1

    Share templates in advance

    Ensure everyone uses same format for consistency.

  2. 2

    Assign documentation roles

    One person captures process while others focus on analysis.

  3. 3

    Review templates together

    Use completed worksheets as basis for team discussion.

  4. 4

    Create shared repository

    Store all synthesis documentation in accessible location.

Pro Tips

  • Collaborative synthesis sessions benefit from dedicated facilitators
  • Use shared digital tools for real-time template completion
  • Regular team reviews ensure alignment and quality

🛠️ Additional Tools & Resources

Insight Extraction Code Template

Reference

Markdown structure for extracting insights from stakeholder conversations with context and relevance tracking.

Key Features:

  • Conversation metadata capture
  • Insight type classification
  • Problem Tree element relevance
  • Conversation summary section

Affinity Analysis Code Template

Reference

Comprehensive markdown worksheet for documenting themes, quotes, implications, and cross-theme synthesis.

Key Features:

  • Theme documentation with quotes
  • Problem Tree implications tracking
  • Priority theme identification
  • Theme relationship analysis

Problem Tree Integration Code Template

Reference

Quality checklist in markdown format for systematic integration verification.

Key Features:

  • Traceability verification checklist
  • Comprehensiveness checks
  • Quality criteria validation
  • Action-orientation assessment

Digital Tool Recommendations

Reference

Guidance on using Google Docs, Miro, Notion, and Excel for synthesis work.

Key Features:

  • Google Docs/Word for documentation
  • Miro/Mural for visual clustering
  • Notion/Airtable for databases
  • Excel/Sheets for tracking

Next: Quality Checklist

Learn quality indicators for effective synthesis and common pitfalls to avoid.