1. Identify
1.1. First identify the metaphor for your problem or challenge.
1.2. There's no "right metaphor"
1.2.1. the ideas can be as unrelated as you like.
1.3. If the problem involves increasing something, make sure the metaphor relates to an increase as well, otherwise it can become too difficult to visualize.
1.3.1. Increase sales > Build larger muscles
1.3.2. Decrease recruitment costs > Lower the price of bread
1.3.3. Attract more investors > Harvest more corn
1.4. So here's the metaphor of our example:
1.4.1. Problem: Cut production costs
1.4.2. Metaphor: Lose weight
2. Metaphorical Solutions
2.1. Now it's time to generate solution ideas for the metaphorical problem, in this case, losing weight
2.1.1. Brainstorming is a good way to facilitate this.
2.2. Solution Ideas
2.2.1. Count calories
2.2.2. Exercise
2.2.3. Monitor food intake
2.2.4. Limit intake of certain food categories
2.2.5. Fill up on low calorie foods
2.2.6. Drink lots of water
2.2.7. Join a slimming club
3. Metaphor to Reality
3.1. Solution ideas for the metaphorical problem
3.1.1. 1. Count calories
3.1.2. 2. Exercise to burn calories
3.1.3. 3. Monitor food intake
3.1.4. 4. Limit intake of certain food categories
3.1.5. 5. Fill up on low calorie food
3.1.6. 6. Drink lots of water
3.1.7. 7. Join a slimming club
3.2. Solutions ideas relating back to the real problem
3.2.1. 1. Control expenditure on inputs
3.2.2. 2. Use up all of their inputs (recycle, remanufacture, etc.)
3.2.3. 3. Control inputs
3.2.4. 4. Save costs by carefully choosing certain suppliers
3.2.5. 5. Find low cost substitutes
3.2.6. 6. Flush out duplicate processes
3.2.7. 7. Share ideas and support with other similar departments