Analogy Thinking involves drawing parallels between seemingly unrelated concepts from different industries or domains. By mapping similarities between a familiar idea and a new scenario, we can transfer insights from one context to another in an imaginative way. This pushes us to move past obvious answers and make connections we may never have considered before.
For example, how could a product manager draw inspiration from a gourmet restaurant to innovate on an e-learning platform? Or from the user experience of a streaming music app to a software dashboard? Unlikely as it may seem, analogical thinking helps us link disparate ideas and opens doors to new possibilities.
In this blog post, part of the Brainstorming and Ideation series, we’ll explore how product managers can harness analogy thinking to foster innovation.
Analogical thinking empowers product managers to break free of conventional mindsets. Read on to discover how comparing unlike concepts can unlock your team’s most ingenious ideas and drive innovation.
Analogy Thinking Example Scenario
Scenario: Enhancing a Digital Learning Platform
Imagine you’re a Product Manager responsible for improving a digital learning platform for students. You decide to use analogy thinking to bring fresh ideas to the table.
Analogous Concept: “Restaurant Dining Experience”
Drawing an analogy between a digital learning platform and a restaurant dining experience can lead to creative insights, e.g.:
- Idea 1: Menu Customization – Similar to how restaurants offer various dishes, allow students to customize their learning paths by selecting different modules and topics based on their interests.
- Idea 2: Feedback as Reviews – Model feedback mechanisms after online reviews, where students rate and provide comments on courses. This can encourage course improvement and maintain a feedback loop.
Analogous Concept: “Fitness App Gamification”
Drawing parallels with gamified fitness apps can spark innovation:
- Idea 1: Leveling Up – Implement a leveling system where students progress through different levels of proficiency as they complete courses. Each level could unlock new challenges or advanced content.
- Idea 2: Virtual Rewards – Similar to earning virtual badges in fitness apps, students can earn virtual awards or certificates for completing courses or reaching specific milestones.
Analogous Concept: “Travel Booking Platforms”
Analogizing with travel booking platforms can lead to fresh approaches:
- Idea 1: Learning Journeys – Design the platform like an itinerary, guiding students through a “learning journey.” Each module is a destination, and completion leads to the next “destination.”
- Idea 2: Exploration Mode – Create an exploration mode where students can browse and “book” courses they’re interested in, simulating the excitement of planning a trip.
Analogous Concept: “Home Interior Design”
Comparing the learning platform to interior design concepts can yield interesting ideas:
- Idea 1: Personalized Themes – Just as people choose interior design styles, offer personalized themes for the platform’s interface, catering to different learning preferences.
- Idea 2: Modular Learning Spaces – Design the platform as a virtual “home” with different rooms representing various subjects. Students can navigate through different “rooms” to access courses.
Analogous Concept: “Music Streaming Services”
Analogizing with music streaming services can lead to innovative features:
- Idea 1: Learning Playlists – Allow students to curate their learning playlists, grouping courses by topic or difficulty, similar to how users create music playlists.
- Idea 2: “Recommended for You” – Implement a recommendation engine that suggests courses based on a student’s learning history, similar to music platforms suggesting songs based on listening habits.
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Analogy Thinking: Conclusion
Analogy thinking opens up endless possibilities for product innovation. By bridging connections between disparate concepts, we can uncover surprisingly relevant parallels that lead to fresh ideas. While not every analogy will yield viable solutions, drawing these comparisons pushes us to move beyond the status quo.
As a product manager, avoid staying locked into existing models when ideating. Sometimes the most innovative ideas come from unlikely analogies in completely different domains. Stepping outside your regular thought patterns is key.
Approach analogy thinking as an experiment. The goal isn’t to perfectly match two concepts but to extract insights that spark creative ideas. Not all analogies will work, and that’s okay. Filter through options to find promising cross-domain applications.
Aim to incorporate analogy thinking into your team’s regular ideation processes. Brainstorming sessions, design sprints, and roadmap planning are all opportunities to flex this creative muscle. Analogy thinking keeps innovation flowing over the long term.