Background
If you generate ideas using analogies, your source of stimulation is generally limited to comparisons with the basic problem principle. For instance, the problem of preventing shoplifting (the Bionic Ideas [53] illustration) is limited to analogies involving the principle of prevention. Although there is nothing wrong with this limitation, it does restrict the number of possible problem perspectives. And that’s not good.
Fortunately, all is not lost. The Chain Alike activity attacks problems from multiple perspectives. And that’s good. Chain Alike is based on the Attribute Analogy Chains procedure developed by Koberg and Bagnall (1976). Ideas are generated by listing problem attributes, developing analogies for each attribute, and then using the analogies to prompt ideas.
Objectives
• To help participants generate as many creative ideas as possible
• To help participants learn how to use the activities to generate ideas
Participants
Small groups of four to seven people each
Materials,Supplies,and Equipment
• For each group: markers, two flip charts, and masking tape for posting flip-chart sheets
• For each participant: one sheet each of three different colors of sticking dots (1?2?? diameter) and one pad of 4 x 6 Post-it® Notes
• (Optional) One paper or electronic thesaurus for each group
Handout
• Chain Alike Handout
Time
60 minutes
Related Activities
• Bionic Ideas [53]
• I Like It Like That [55]
Procedure 1. Distribute the handout, review it with the participants, and answer any questions they may have. 2. Tape a sheet of flip-chart paper lengthwise on a wall or table. 3. Read the following instructions aloud: “On the left side of the paper, list in a single column all major problem attributes (for example, name, form, parts, shape, structure, processes, materials, functions). For each attribute, list several subattributes that describe the attributes. Thus, ‘round’ and ‘square’ would be examples of two types of shapes. Write these in a line to the right of each attribute. “On a separate sheet of paper, write down several analogies or words similar in meaning for each subattribute. The word ‘round,’ for example, might spark ‘circular,’ ‘a dog chasing its tail,’ and ‘a rolling ball. You may use paper or electronic thesauri to help select these words.”
4. Tell them to examine each word analogy as a group, see what ideas are triggered, write them on Post-it® Notes (one per note), and place them on flip-chart paper for evaluation.
