DESIGN BY ANALOGY IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION: A METHOD TO IMPROVE CREATIVE IDEAS

Design by analogy refers to the methodology used in creative studies for identifying new ideas, which are in the so-called distant domain of the exploration field. This method is a fundamental part of the ideation process, which try to find analogies as a source for new and innovative designs. Thus, this methodology is an alternative to other more common and well-known approaches, such as brainstorming, logical charts, etc. These traditional approaches to creativity make the designer to look inward for inspiration. This fact makes important the innate capabilities of the designer (or student). However, design by analogy makes the designer to look outside for the search of new and original ideas. The selection of the source is an important step in searching for creative ideas and this work presents the resulting methodology for the implementation. It is based on the so-called WordTree method. Furthermore, design by analogy is not considered a standalone method. Indeed, this approach can be used together with brainstorming or other classical methods. The combination of different techniques improves the effectiveness of the method.

The main goal of this paper is to use this method in engineering education. Problem based learning (PBL) is the methodology used in class to propose design challenges to the students. The students have to find original ideas in a creative process controlled by the instructors. However, to be successful in this task, students must be trained with the basic principles of the method. Thus, the instructors have designed a procedure including different steps. Students have to work in class, at home and in groups. Consequently, students’ teams generate ideas and they are recorded using a schematic tree of words. In this way, students identify more analogies than with other methods. The process includes both, convergent thinking and divergent thinking. At the end of the process, unexpected solutions are identified and compared with other solutions obtained with other methods.