Metaphor as ideation tool

Often associated with literature, art and poetry, metaphor is commmonly used when generating and communicating design ideas, and whether the idea is abstract, concrete or visual. Using metaphor is arguably a more persuasive technique than simile using "like" or "as" because a metaphor carries stronger emotions than a simile (whereas metaphor is a figure of speech, a simile is more of a logical argument). The strategic use of metaphor, then, is a powerful ideation tool that can make the difference between success and failure of idea presentation.

Idea sharing

Communicating ideas is more than getting other people excited about your idea. In collaborative situations it’s also about sharing ownership of ideas where you can be seen as the creative leader of your idea allowing others to contribute and push the idea forward. The risk with sharing ownership is that you might feel “losing control” of your idea. That risk, however, should be balanced with the opportunity of having your idea appreciated, supported and realised more quickly.

Ideation is purposeful

Ideas happen in context. Take every opportunity then to share your ideas with others. Whilst ideation is personally fulfilling its purpose is to engage other people. The key to this is idea communication. Through collaboration and rooting your ideas in targeted community you'd raise the odds to making your ideas happen.

Doing ideas

Talking ideas is comparatively effortless. Therefore most people like to talk about their ideas but do very little. But often there isn't much that needs to be said to realise ideas. In contrast, there is a lot that needs to be done. The way to close the gap between talking and making ideas happen then is to say less and do more.

Ideation and use of metaphor

Language in the widest sense plays an important role in the early fuzzy stages of design and helps to identify and capture design concepts. Metaphor use is part of this process. In a study on how novice architecture students assess the use of metaphors and the creativity of their own designs, it was found that the most important role that metaphors play in design problem solving is to support the design of innovative products. In contrast, the use of metaphors did not help so much in the functional and aesthetic aspects of design (Casakin, H.P. 2007. Metaphors in Design Problem Solving: Implications for Creativity).

Ideation efficiency?

Could economic efficiency criteria apply to design ideation? For example, ideation efficiency is achieved when an idea is produced making the most efficient use of the ideator's scarce resources (talent, time, and energy), and when that idea best meets the needs and wants of the consumer at a price that fairly reflects the value of resources used up in the realisation of the idea.

Ideas in context

Experience by itself, like raw data, teaches nothing. Similarly, ideas have little or no meaning apart from their context. But even when the context is known, ideas are no substitute for hard work. Ideas well thought out and communicated, however, may save many hours of hard work. Indeed, robust ideation may help foresee problems of production and in use that may be encountered with the product or service.