Analogous inspiration
Observing a situation from another field that shares a trait with the design problem; for example, waiting at an airport to rethink waiting at a hospital.
What it’s for
It helps you see differently a sector the team knows so well that it no longer questions it.
Key elements
Choose the trait
Which part of the problem you want to understand.
Go somewhere else
A place that shares that trait.
Come back with questions
What could be brought into your own project.
How it’s done
Choose the trait and the place.
Observe and take notes.
Transfer what you learned to the problem.
Applications in design
When to use it
Early on, when the team knows its sector too well.
Avoid
Going on an outing without knowing what you are looking for.
Don’t fall for it
Complement it with research with your real users.
Connections
Authors and works
- 2015
IDEO.org
Included it among the inspiration methods of human-centered design.
Sources
Secondary sources
- IDEO.org (2015). The field guide to human-centered design. IDEO.org.
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