framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...

The use of metaphor is also considered as a way for inspiration. As all
metaphors are juxtapositions, which means that two things are put
together to find their shared characteristics. Any metaphor, therefore,
triggers new ways of thinking which encourages inspiration and in turn
encourages creative thinking.
Shank and Gleber 199 state that juxtapositioning encourages
brainstorming:
“The human mind cannot tolerate a meaning vacuum. If we compare
some X to Y, then we strive mightily to understand that comparison.
Sometimes the comparison is simple and transparent. When we
compare, say, a smile to a flower, then it is easy to abduct that the smile
is pretty and pleasant, much as a flower is pretty and pleasant. When
we make such simple abductions, then we are staying well within our
current 11 range of preconceptions about the meaning of things in the
world. When our metaphors are arbitrary, however, then we are no
longer in “safe” preconceptual territory. There is no easy and apparent
solution to the metaphor “puzzle”. Also, even though we know that the
comparison is arbitrary, we still feel the tug of our desire to render the
comparison as meaningful. Therefore, we have no choice but to leave
our familiar preconceptions and engage in meaning exploration”. 200
In academia there are arguments if creativity is something that can be
taught to student. Many researchers believe that creativity can be
acquired through learning only if there is an adequate place for it in the
curricula.
Casakin 201 conducted a study to assess the use of metaphor in creative
problem-solving in the context of first year design studio students.
Casakin argues that these tools are very important for the student in
their first year to overcome their lack of experience in design problems,
and concludes that
199 Shank G., Gleber C. (2001). Six Metaphors in Search of the Internet. (Accessed March 22, 2010).
200 Ibid. p4.
201 Casakin H. P. (2007). op.cit. p22-33.
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