Visual analogy as a cognitive stimulator for problem solving and idea generation in design

The chapter deals with the use of analogy and visual analogy in architectural design problem solving. The purpose is to provide an understanding of how analogy can contribute to enhance problem solving in the early phases of the design process, and gain insight into the effect of visual analogical thinking and visual stimuli in the generation of design ideas. Moreover, the chapter discusses the relationship between design expertise and the use of visual analogy in ill-defined and well-defined problem solving, with and without exposure to visual stimuli, and with and without explicit guidance to use analogy. Implications for design education are presented in regard to a training program describing how visual analogy can be put into practice to assist in the generation of ideas in the design studio.