Plurality of perspectives create better understanding

Any given metaphor/analogy/lens/perspective only trigger a certain, limited set of associations. It can be still useful, but using only one can be misleading (Metaphors can be a double-edged sword). One map doesn't completely capture a teritorry.

And this is especially true for complex things: Metaphor usefulness declines with concept complexity

Therefore, it is advisable to look at information through many different lenses/perspectives by using different analogies and metaphors.

Bringing in more metaphors also makes understanding of a thing more accessible as it creates more opportunities for people to connect a concept to what they already know (and "what they already know" can vary between people!).


Tags: metaphors in design understanding

ID: 2021-0216-0822

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