Analogous Inspiration

When to use Analogous Inspiration

Use this method when a team is stuck in a rut, struggling to generate novel ideas, or needs a new perspective on user needs and behaviors. It's particularly useful when direct observation of the target user group is limited or when seeking to improve the overall user experience.

What it solves

Lack of creative ideas, narrow focus, design fixation

How to run Analogous Inspiration, step by step

1. Identify key activities, behaviors, and emotions related to the design challenge. (10 minutes)
2. Brainstorm analogous settings where these activities, behaviors, or emotions might be observed. (15 minutes)
3. Vote on the most promising settings for observation visits. (5 minutes)
4. Conduct observation visits, focusing on the identified elements while remaining open to unexpected inspiration. (Time varies)
5. Debrief and discuss how the observations can inform the design challenge. (20 minutes)

Materials needed

• Pens
• Paper
• Large paper or whiteboard
• Camera (optional)

Facilitator tips

• Encourage participants to think broadly and creatively when identifying analogous settings.
• Remind the team to focus on the underlying principles and patterns, rather than simply copying solutions directly.
• Capture observations through notes, photos, or videos to facilitate later analysis.

Common pitfalls

• Focusing too narrowly on the specific product or service, rather than the underlying user needs and behaviors.
• Dismissing seemingly irrelevant observations without considering their potential implications.
• Failing to translate the insights from the analogous setting into actionable design ideas.

Variations

• Conduct virtual site visits using online resources or pre-recorded videos.
• Invite experts from the analogous setting to share their insights with the team.
• Use a 'reverse brainstorming' approach, identifying potential problems in the analogous setting and then considering how to avoid them in the design challenge.

Running it online or hybrid

Use virtual whiteboards to collaboratively list activities, behaviors, and emotions, and then brainstorm analogous settings. Facilitate virtual site visits using online resources or pre-recorded videos.

What it produces

A list of analogous settings and observations, a collection of insights and potential solutions, and a plan for applying these insights to the design challenge.

Origin

Adapted from IDEO.org's Design Kit — source

Build a session around Analogous Inspiration

METODIC places Analogous Inspiration inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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