Dynamic Idea Maps: A Framework for Linking Ideas with Cases during Brainstorming

Abstract

This research makes use of a cognitive study to explore a mechanism for associating ideas during brainstorming. First, we propose a linking model that integrates three principles of idea association (similarity, contrast and contiguity) with two processes of case-based reasoning (retrieval and adaptation). Then, a design experiment and its protocol analysis are conducted in order to identify the types and mechanisms of linkages between ideas and cases, and to explore a computational mechanism for this linking model. Finally, a framework for case-based reasoning to support idea association called Dynamic Idea-Maps (DIM) is proposed, and its mechanism is elucidated.