Book excerpt: This book brings together some of the most influential pieces of research undertaken around the world in design synthesis. It is the first comprehensive work of this kind and covers all three aspects of research in design synthesis: - understanding what constitutes and influences synthesis; - the major approaches to synthesis; - the diverse range of tools that are created to support this crucial design task. With its range of tools and methods covered, it is an ideal introduction to design synthesis for those intending to research in this area as well as being a valuable source of ideas for educators and practitioners of engineering design.