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Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#37Chapter 5: Individual Creative Option Generation• Individual Creative Optionslogical Thinkingindividual and group Mode15-45 min(fast)

Direct Analogies

From the book "Advanced Problem-Solving Toolbox: 115 Creative Plays" | Compiled & Edited by: Mojtaba Goudarzi, Open translation: Mehrshid Goudarzi
Executive Synopsis & Core Logic:

direct and technical comparison of the functioning of a mechanical or human system with biological and biological phenomena in nature (biomimicry science).

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Individual Creative Options
Dominant Thinking
logical
Participation
individual and group
Estimated Timefast
15-45 min
Fast
Input Format
natural phenomena and living systems
Output Format
Idea generation
Key Application
Automotive and aerospace parts design, aerodynamic optimization, sustainable architecture and design of adhesives and joints.
Core Differentiator:

Focus on exact physical, engineering, and functional similarity (as opposed to literary metaphors) to solve engineering and design problems.

Quick Field Example:

The design of the nose of Japan's Shinkansen bullet train with a direct analogy to the beak of a osprey to break the sound barrier of the tunnel.

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

Efficient and evolved solutions, optimal energy consumption, inspired by 3 billion years of nature's trial and error.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

The need for a basic understanding of the principles of biology and the limitations of converting biological structures into industrial materials.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Aerodynamic Engineering: Wind Turbine Noise Reduction Inspired by the Silent Wings of an Owl.
Clothing and surface design: making anti-stain fabrics inspired by the lotus effect.
Medicine and pharmaceuticals: making painless needle heads by analogy with the toothy bite of a mosquito.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1Nature is the perfect designer: solving the challenges of friction, weight, energy and resistance over millions of years of evolution.
2Eliminating trial and error costs: adapting a design that has proven its success in practice.
3Environmental sustainability: Natural systems inherently operate without waste and are compatible with the ecosystem.
4Making technological leaps: Transcending the boundaries of classical engineering knowledge with a biomimetic perspective.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

"Direct Analogies" technique, which is one of the 4 main pillars of William Gordon's Synectics method, looks for the natural counterpart of the problem.

How does the tree not break despite strong winds? How does shark skin reduce water friction to zero? By analyzing biological function and translating it into engineering language, the most innovative human industrial inventions have been born.

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Scenario: Reducing Blast Noise and Tunnel Friction in High-Speed ​​Trains By Direct Analog
1
Step 1: Compilation of technical problem statementProblem: "Smooth and resistance-free passage through an environment with sudden air resistance without creating a sound shock wave".
2
Step 2: Looking for a direct analogy in natureObserve a kingfisher flying from the air into denser water without splashing a drop of water.
3
Step 3: Analysis of geometry and biological mechanismDissection of the structure of the bird's beak: wedge-like tip and narrow cross-section that allows shock-free entry into dense fluid.
4
Step 4: Engineering modeling of the nose of the train based on the beakredesign of the 500 series locomotive with a precise adaptation of the aerodynamic profile of the fish-eater beak.
5
Step 5: Wind tunnel test and brilliant resultsCompletely eliminating the explosive sound of the tunnel, increasing train speed by 10% and saving 15% in electricity consumption.

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