On the benefits and pitfalls of analogies for innovative design : Ideation performance based on analogical distance, commonness, and modality of examples

摘要: Drawing inspiration from examples by analogy can be a powerful tool for innovative design during conceptual ideation but also carries the risk of negative outcomes (e.g., fixation), depending on key properties examples. Understanding these is critical effectively harnessing power analogy. The current research explores how variations in analogical distance, commonness, and representation modality influence effects ideation. Senior-level engineering students generated solution concepts an problem with or without provided drawn U.S. Patent database. Examples were crossed distance (near-field vs. far-field), commonness (more less-common), (picture text). A control group that received no was included comparison. Effects examined mixture process product variables. Our results show positive far-field less-common novelty variability quality concepts. These are not modulated modality. However, detailed analyses variables suggest divergent pathways Additionally, combination far-field, resulted more novel than group. findings guidelines effective implementation design-by-analogy methods, particularly focus process. © 2011 American Society Mechanical Engineers.