“Synthos of Design” Test — a self-assessment framework designed to evaluate how well a design project, process, outcome, or personal design approach achieves true
Synthos: the dynamic, synergistic confluence (intentional plural: Synergic-EuSystems = Sciences + Arts + Humanities) fused through the integrated mastery of Ethos (credibility/trust/character), Logos (logic/reason/evidence), and Pathos (emotion/values/resonance).
This test treats “Synthos of Design” as a higher-order paradigm where:
- Sciences provide rigorous, empirical, systematic foundations (heavily Logos-aligned).
- Arts deliver expressive, aesthetic, innovative form and experience (heavily Pathos-aligned, with creative Ethos).
- Humanities infuse cultural depth, ethical meaning, narrative, and human-centered insight (balancing Ethos + Pathos, grounded in Logos).
The goal is holistic persuasion and impact: Does the design convince (Logos), connect emotionally/culturally (Pathos), and earn trust/respect (Ethos) while synthesizing these disciplines into something greater than the sum?
Synthos of Design Assessment Test
Instructions
Rate a specific design work (product, service, system, campaign, policy, experience, vision, etc.) on a scale of 1–10 for each question (1 = very weak/absent, 10 = exceptionally strong and integrated).
After scoring, calculate subtotals and the final Synthos Quotient (DQ).
Aim for balanced high scores across all areas — imbalance signals room for Synthos mastery.
Section 1: Ethos (Credibility, Character, Trustworthiness in Design)
- Does the design establish authentic authority and integrity? (e.g., backed by verifiable expertise, transparent processes, ethical sourcing, cultural respect, or the designer’s proven track record)
Score: _ /10 - Does it feel culturally resonant and human-centered, drawing meaningfully from humanities (history, philosophy, sociology, indigenous knowledge, values)?
Score: _ /10 - Is there visible commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, or social good that builds long-term trust?
Score: _ /10 Ethos Subtotal (add 1–3): _ /30
Section 2: Logos (Logic, Evidence, Rational Strength in Design)
- Is the design grounded in solid scientific principles, data, research, ergonomics, materials science, systems thinking, or validated methodologies?
Score: _ /10 - Does the functionality, performance, scalability, and problem-solving hold up under logical scrutiny (e.g., user testing results, metrics, feasibility analysis)?
Score: _ /10 - Is there clear, evidence-based reasoning for choices (e.g., why this form follows this function, supported by prototypes, simulations, or comparative studies)?
Score: _ /10 Logos Subtotal (add 4–6): _ /30
Section 3: Pathos (Emotional Resonance, Aesthetic Power, Motivational Pull in Design)
- Does the design evoke strong positive emotions, delight, inspiration, empathy, or cultural pride through beauty, storytelling, sensory experience, or symbolic meaning?
Score: _ /10 - Does it connect artistically — using form, color, texture, rhythm, narrative, or metaphor in innovative, expressive ways?
Score: _ /10 - Does it motivate action or change (e.g., inspires adoption, behavioral shift, community pride, or personal transformation)?
Score: _ /10 Pathos Subtotal (add 7–9): _ /30
Section 4: True Synthos Integration (The Confluence and Synergy)
- Do the Sciences, Arts, and Humanities actively reinforce each other? (e.g., scientific rigor enhances artistic expression; humanities provide ethical depth to scientific choices; arts make logical solutions emotionally compelling)
Score: _ /10 - Does the overall design feel like a unified “super-mode” rather than siloed elements? (e.g., no part feels dry/cold, manipulative, or superficial — everything elevates the others)
Score: _ /10 - In a 2026+ context (AI era, polarization, sustainability crises, Indian/global visions), does it powerfully address misinformation, fragmentation, or disconnection through balanced, trustworthy, logical, and moving persuasion?
Score: _ /10 Synthos Integration Subtotal (add 10–12): _ /30
Final Calculation
- Total Raw Score: Ethos + Logos + Pathos + Synthos Integration = _ /120
- Synthos Quotient (DQ) = (Total Raw Score / 120) × 100 = _ %
Interpretation Guide
- 90–100% → Masterful Synthos: Exemplary confluence; persuasive, impactful, paradigm-shifting design.
- 75–89% → Strong Synthos: Well-integrated; highly effective in most contexts.
- 60–74% → Emerging Synthos: Good balance but gaps in synergy or one domain dominates.
- Below 60% → Fragmented: Relies too heavily on one mode/domain; needs deeper synthesis.
This test can be used iteratively: Apply it early in ideation, mid-prototype, and final review. For teams, have members score independently then discuss discrepancies to reveal blind spots.
If you’d like variations (e.g., shorter version, rubric for scoring examples, adaptation for specific domains like sustainable design, AI interfaces, or Design4India visions), or want to test it on a real project of yours, just provide details!
GRP_VCare2Dare 