Analogy and Innovation

The use of analogies in the product design process

[Analogous information transfer can be classified along two axes

(1) Conceptual distance between source and target domains

(2) Content of communication

The use of analogies is a common phenomenon in design and engineering consulting firms

Twelve of the 16 interviewees "frequently use analogies."

3 out of 16 did not use analogy and 1 is rare

18 analogies

https://gyazo.com/f404f7d6a1b4c722fc019e3f546b2006

https://gyazo.com/06e0332aaaaed97efa3c2e5a92badf07

Similarity distance is positively associated with solution novelty and negatively associated with project duration

Distant rather than close analogies facilitate communication within the project team and between the project team and the client company

With regard to the content of the transfer, a beneficial effect on the project duration occurs especially when the problem solver transfers existing technical solutions or specific functional principles, rather than general knowledge of geometry or design mechanics

Kalogerakis, Katharina, Christian Lüthje, and Cornelius Herstatt. "Developing innovations based on analogies: experience from design and engineering consultants." Journal of Product Innovation Management 27.3 (2010): 418-436.

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