Metaphors work great for simple concepts. E.g. illustrating a relationship between two objects by the thickness of the connecting line.
The more complex the topic, however, the more dangerous the usage of a single metaphor. This is how Metaphors can be a double-edged sword.
As one metaphor triggers only a particular set of associations, it cannot possibly capture all the useful and correct associations for a complex concept. It can even trigger associations leading us to have false assumptions or faulty reasoning.
In that case, it's necessary to employ First principles thinking, be very much aware of the metaphor/analogy used, and bring in more metaphors for different points of view (Plurality of perspectives create better understanding)
Tags: metaphors in design understanding
ID: 2021-0215-0826
References:
Thinking from first principles is opposed to thinking by analogy. Here, you don't view something by likening it to something else. Instead…
Any given metaphor/analogy/lens/perspective only trigger a certain, limited set of associations. It can be still useful, but using only one…
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