Creating New Metaphors
This method helps teams break free from entrenched thinking by generating novel metaphors for complex issues. By combining images and concepts, participants unlock fresh perspectives and reframe problems in innovative ways.
Use this method when a team is stuck in familiar patterns of thought and needs to generate new ideas or reframe a complex problem. It's particularly useful for addressing societal or environmental challenges.
Solves: Entrenched thinking, lack of creative ideas, inability to see problems from new angles.
- 1
Step 1: **Warming Up (10 mins):** Introduce the power of metaphors using examples from media and politics. Then, provide image and concept cards and ask participants to randomly combine them to create novel metaphors. Discuss the insights gained.
- 2
Step 2: **Exploring Existing Metaphors (20 mins):** Introduce a specific issue and facilitate a group discussion to identify existing metaphors and framings used to describe it. Challenge participants to identify three existing metaphors and critically analyze their presuppositions and implications. Use a table to document.
- 3
Step 3: **Mix & Match to Explore New Metaphors (20 mins):** Lay out a selection of image cards. Have each group compare and contrast the qualities of the images with the existing metaphors identified in Step 2. Select 1-2 image cards per person and discuss new metaphors that challenge problematic aspects of existing ones. Document in a table.
- 4
Step 4: **Presenting (30 mins):** Have each group present their new metaphor and its potential application to the larger group. Encourage Q&A and feedback from other stakeholders to observe how the new thinking helps others understand the issue differently.
- 5
Step 5: **Reflection (10 mins):** Facilitate a discussion on how the use of new metaphors impacts new modes of thinking and acting. Encourage participants to reflect on their learning process and the development of their metacognitive skills.
- Encourage diverse perspectives and backgrounds to enrich the discussion.
- Provide clear instructions and examples to help participants understand the process.
- Create a safe space for experimentation and encourage participants to take risks.
- Use different sets of image and concept cards to explore different themes or topics.
- Incorporate physical objects or sensory experiences to stimulate creativity.
- Extend the presentation phase to allow for more in-depth exploration and feedback.