Introduction

We use analogy when we say that something is somewhat like something else. For example: a jumbo jet is like an albatross in that they both fly, both have wings, can both travel for a long way without landing, and can both sense where they are going. They are unlike in that they have different means of propulsion, are made of different materials, are different sizes, etc..

Often analogies are used informally: 'This problem makes me think of... (the analogy) - and that suggests we can try X-idea drawn from the analogy.

Method:

The underlying logic to using analogy is as follows:

1. Identify what kind of ideas that you want, and then try to find a core verb phrase that captures the functional nature of what you are looking for - e.g.: 'How to make X'. 'How to prevent Y', 'How to speed up Z'.
2. For each verb phrase generate a list of items (people, situations, objects, processes, actions, places, etc.) that is 'like' it in some way .
3. Pick one of these analogies - preferably where the verb phrase and analogy are from different domains (like a biological analogy for a mechanical problem).
4. Describe the analogy, including active aspects (such as how it works, what it does, what effects it has, how it is used) as well as passive aspects (size, position, etc.).
5. Use this description to suggest ideas relevant to the problem. Does the analogue have features you can use directly? Do the differences suggest other ways of looking at your problem?

Note:

Analogies can be:

• Direct: A straight functional parallel e.g. selling science is like selling baked beans or the human arm is like an anglepoise lamp.
• Fantasy: What is the image that comes into your mind if you were to solve it in your wildest fantasy or within some other cartoon / fantasy world.
• Remote: 'Selling widgets' is like 'Steering an elephant'. These analogies are more likely to challenge assumptions and lead to new insights and ideas - but the parallels they suggest are unlikely to have much 'rational' status. In the extreme, they merge into the use of random stimuli.
• Personal: Here you become a component in the system. eg. if you are looking at how to get shells to more accurately hit the target, think of yourself as the tip of the shell.