Metaphors as design tools

Research Design Connections reports on a recent paper explaining the role of metaphors in design work. The summary reports on a paper by Hernan Casakin in the International Journal of Design that examines the applications of metaphors.

He found that although, “Most literature conceives metaphors as analytical devices that facilitate the understanding of an unknown situation in terms of a familiar one,” participants in his study found metaphors mainly to be “a tool supporting the production of innovative design solutions” and only secondarily analytical and conceptual aids.

It is exciting to see someone who has been so serious in examining something like this in a methodical and scientific manner.