The Impact of Analogical Distance as a Mental Stimulus in Ideation Processes Using Change of Perspective: Jumping

Over several decades, a variety of studies have analysed analogical thinking as a cognitive mechanism, in which the individual transfers information from similar situations or problems and uses it to solve problems. However, less research is given that focuses on the use of predefined analogies as external stimuli for the ideation process. As a result, there has been very little information available on how to use analogies in practice, i.e. During an ideation workshop. This paper reports the results of an experiment that analysed the influence of predefined analogies on ideation processes using analogical thinking. Twenty-three students individually used analogous thinking in an ideation workshop with predefined near and far analogies as external stimuli. Results show some first indications that the distance of the analogies as well as the level of detail have an influence on the ideation outcomes.