Double & Triple Diamond
Diverge to explore, converge to decide — twice for design, three times for product.
The Double Diamond, popularized by the UK Design Council, describes design as two cycles of widening then narrowing: the first diamond figures out the right problem (Discover → Define), the second figures out the right solution (Develop → Deliver). Each diamond opens with divergent thinking and closes with convergent thinking.
How it maps to Synloom’s phases
Discover
Discovery phase — evidence, synthesis, research widen the picture.
Define
Definition phase — synthesis + definition agents narrow to one problem.
Develop
Ideation phase — generate and combine solution concepts (widen again).
Deliver
MVP + Test phases — build the chosen concept and validate it (narrow again).
Lesson: the phase strip is a Double Diamond you can walk in any order
- What it is
- Synloom’s five phases are the Double Diamond made concrete: Discovery + Definition are the first (problem) diamond, Ideation + MVP + Test are the second (solution) diamond. Each phase widens or narrows the work.
- Why it matters
- The diamond’s real lesson is rhythm — never converge before you have diverged. Naming the phases this way tells you which motion you should be in right now: are you still exploring, or is it time to decide?
If you are stuck, ask which half of which diamond you are in. Too many options → you skipped a converge. Too narrow too early → you skipped a diverge.
The Triple Diamond
The Triple Diamond adds a diamond before the other two: an Opportunity → Strategy cycle. Before you discover a product, an opportunity shows up; you explore opportunities widely, then converge on a strategy to pursue one. The classic Double Diamond assumes the opportunity is already chosen — the Triple Diamond makes that first, strategic choice explicit.
Working on a whole new bet, not just a feature? Start in Diamond 0 — run Scout and Blue Ocean before you touch evidence. Iterating an existing product? You are usually already inside Diamond 1.