Concept Innovation Design Method Based On Situated Analogy

Today, economic and technology are developing fast. Our consumption's levels are growing, and we have more requirements for products. In this situation, many companies pay more attentions to concept innovation. Situated analogy is one of the most important methods. We use it to study user's action, get user's real requirements.Some of the existing situated analogy methods,make the designer's subjective consciousness strongly. So, the study results do not hit the point of the actual needs of the user, leaving the wrong final direction of the concept.This study combines cultural probe, participatory design, ethnographic, user value, visible culture theory. Use specific methods to research situation of actual cases. Compare the advantage and operability of different methods. Summed up the methods and thinking tools of situated analogy with the user participation and designer experience. Finally, examine them in actual design cases. Study based on designer experience and user participation, make users and designers have a common scenario language. Give them a fully open platform for mutual communication and exchange. Use visual image to get more memories and association. Capture the value of scenarios elements and the problem points. Through non-hierarchical mind mapping, make links between elements of the various scenarios to expand the designer's creative thinking. In the end, design a Automated Postal Center as an example, test the advantages and operability of concept design study of innovation based situated analogy.The results of study can help designers to investigate user needs, generate design innovative ideas cleverly in the product innovation phase. So that, the products will meet more user's actual demands, and become more market competitive.