Forced Analogy

Object of play

We understand things by grouping them with other things of similar type and function. An airplane is similar to a helicopter; they’re both fying things. Both are more similar to a bird, which is also a fying thing, than any of those things are to an earthworm, which is a crawling and tunneling thing. Te Forced Analogy game breaks these hard-wired categories and allows us to see things from a diferent angle, opening new possibilities in problem solving and idea generation.

Number of players

1-10

Duration of play

15 minutes to 1 hour

How to play

Participants set up the exercise by generating a random list of things—animals, objects, or people. Write these items on individual index cards. For each item, write some of its qualities or attributes—for example, “An airplane fies through the air, moves along predefned routes, and has an autopilot feature.” Likewise, an oak tree would be noted for its branching structure, its deep roots, and its ability to grow from a very small seed.Participants shufe the cards and distribute them randomly. Tey then use the cards to develop analogies to the problem or issue at hand, asking:

• How is this problem similar to [random object]?
• How would I solve this problem with [random object]?

Participants may also work through one analogy as a group, as in “How would we use a paperclip to solve our data integration problem?”

Strategy

A truly random list of objects will push the boundaries of the group’s mindset and create new perspectives. If needed, this list can be created in advance of the game itself by an unbiased nonparticipant.

See also: Word Cloud

The source of the Forced Analogy game is unknown.

From the book: Gamestorming - A Playbook for innovators, Rulebreakers and Changemakers