Synectic trigger mechanisms

METAMORPHOSE

Transform, convert, transmutate: Depict your subject in a state of change.

SYMBOLIZE

How can your subject be imbued with symbolic qualities?

MYTHOLOGIZE

Build a myth around your subject.

FANTASIZE

Fantasize your subject. Use it to trigger surreal, preposterous, outlandish thoughts.

SUBTRACT

Simplify. Omit, remove certain parts or elements.

REPEAT

Repeat a shape, color, form, image or idea.

COMBINE

Bring things together. Connect, arrange, link, unify, mix, merge.

ADD

Extend, expand, or otherwise develop your reference subject.

TRANSFER

Move your subject into a new situation, environment or context.

EMPATHIZE

Sympathize. Relate to your subject; put yourself in its 'shoes.'

ANIMATE

Mobilize visual and psychological tensions in a painting or design.

SUPERIMPOSE

Overlap, place over, cover, overlay.

CHANGE SCALE

Make your subject bigger or smaller.

SUBSTITUTE

Exchange, switch or replace.

FRAGMENT

Separate, divide, split. Take your subject or idea apart.

ISOLATE

Separate, set apart, crop, detach.

DISTORT

Twist your subject out of its true shape, proportion or meaning.

DISGUISE

Camouflage, conceal, deceive or encrypt.

CONTRADICT

Contradict the subject's original function.

PARODY

Ridicule, mimic, mock, burlesque or caricature.

PERVARICATE

Equivocate. Fictionalize, 'bend' the truth, falsify, fantasize.

ANALOGIZE

Compare. Draw associations. Seek similarities between things that are different.

HYBRIDIZE

Cross-fertilize. Wed your subject with an improbable mate.