The Method of Trisociation

THE METHOD OF TRISOCIATION: AUGMENTING CREATIVITY USING GENERATIVE AI
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THE METHOD OF TRISOCIATION: AUGMENTING
CREATIVITY USING GENERATIVE AI
T. T. Eapen
Initial Version: June 17, 2023 | Latest Revision: November 26, 2023
ABSTRACT
This monograph presents an extensive exploration of the method of trisociation, a
relatively unknown technique for divergent thinking that fosters the emergence of novel
ideas by interconnecting three distinct concepts. Trisociation builds upon the well-
known method of bisociation, which involves juxtaposing two unrelated concepts to
uncover fresh insights. While trisociation has been briefly mentioned by Victor Papanek
in the book ‘Design for the Real World’ first published in 1971, it has not been extensively
studied as a creativity technique. This paper aims to address this gap by offering a
comprehensive analysis of the trisociation technique, encompassing its underlying
principles, processes, benefits, limitations, and potential applications. The paper also
explores the different ways in which the utilization of generative AI tools, such as large
language models (LLMs), can enhance and support the application of the trisociation
method by human ideators.
CITATION
Eapen, T. T. “The Method of Trisociation: Augmenting Creativity Using Generative
AI.” SSRN, June 17, 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4603145.
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4603145

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THE METHOD OF TRISOCIATION:
AUGMENTING CREATIVITY USING GENERATIVE AI
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................3
THE METHOD OF BISOCIATION.............................................................................................4
TRISOCIATION AS AN EXTENSION OF BISOCIATION........................................................6
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND ..........................................................................................7
THE LOGIC OF TRISOCIATION................................................................................................9
JUMP-OFF POINTS FOR IDEAS...............................................................................................11
TRISOCIATION: SOME KEY PRINCIPLES........................................................................ 13
THE TRISOCIATION PROCESS ...............................................................................................14
APPLICATIONS OF TRISOCIATION.......................................................................................14
LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES.........................................................................................14
RESOLVING BISOCIATION INCONGRUITY .........................................................................16
THE HEGELIAN DIALECTIC ....................................................................................................19
TRISOCIATION WITH GENERATIVE AI........................................................................... 20
FROM PROTOIDEA TO METAIDEA.......................................................................................28
THE STG MODEL.......................................................................................................................30
FORM AND FUNCTION IN PRODUCT DESIGN...................................................................31
BIOINSPIRED CONCEPTS ........................................................................................................34
CREATIVE LEARNING...............................................................................................................39
TRISOCIATION MAPS...............................................................................................................39
ICOSAHEDRAL DICE EXERCISES ...........................................................................................41
STRUCTURAL RELATIONSHIPS .............................................................................................43
IDEA REFINEMENT ...................................................................................................................45
HUMOR AND STORYTELLING ...............................................................................................46
SEMANTIC RELATEDNESS OF CONCEPTS...........................................................................48
SECONDARY SCHEMAS ...........................................................................................................56
TRISOCIATION AND TRIANGULATION.......................................................................... 60
UNCONSTRAINED TRISOCIATION .......................................................................................63
CONSTRAINED TRISOCIATION .............................................................................................69
MEDIATED TRIANGULATION ................................................................................................70
ANALOGICAL THINKING ........................................................................................................71
DISCUSSION ....................................................................................................................... 72
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................... 73

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INTRODUCTION
In this work, we present an in-depth exploration of the method known as
“trisociation,” which is a divergent thinking technique that supports the generation of
novel ideas through the association of three distinct concepts. Trisociation is an
extension of the method of bisociation, as originally described by Arthur Koestler.1
Bisociation involves juxtaposing two seemingly unrelated concepts to uncover fresh
insights. Trisociation builds upon this idea by incorporating a third concept, allowing
for even more diverse associations. While the trisociation technique itself is not
entirely new, it has not been extensively studied or thoroughly described elsewhere, as
far as our current knowledge indicates. In his book, Design for the Real World,2 Victor
Papanek included trisociation as a method of fostering creativity alongside bisociation.
Despite its inclusion in Papanek's work, the trisociation technique has not received
substantial attention or documentation in academic research or literature.
It is also worth noting that the term “trisociation” is not commonly found in
most dictionaries, and its absence from standard references implies its relative novelty
and limited usage. Additionally, while “bisociation” is recognized as a valid word in the
game Scrabble®, “trisociation” is not officially listed in Scrabble® word lists.3
Nevertheless, online resources such as wiktionary.org4 and wordsense.eu5 provide
definitions of trisociation as “a blending of elements drawn from three previously
unrelated patterns of thought into a new pattern.” This definition expands upon the
concept of bisociation by incorporating an additional dimension of creative synthesis.
The term ‘trisociation’ has also been utilized in various unrelated contexts. Bronwyn
Davies uses the term to describe the process in which children merge and juxtapose
three distinct frames of reference: their own culture, adult culture (albeit with a twist),
and the rules governing adult-child interactions.6 This process allows them to create
humor and entertainment. Tom McArthur employs the term to describe the tripartite
relationship observed in English words involving from Greek, Romance, and Germanic
sources.7
In this article, we aim to shed light on the trisociation as a general creativity
and idea-generation technique, exploring its underlying principles, processes, and
potential applications. By understanding and harnessing the power of trisociation,
individuals can expand their divergent thinking capabilities and enhance their ability
to generate innovative ideas by integrating seemingly disparate concepts. Compared
to bisociation, trisociation offers a larger number of jump-off points for generating
new ideas, especially when working with a larger set of base concepts. By combining
1
Arthur Koestler, The Act of Creation (New York: Penguin Books, 1964).
2
Victor Papanek, Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change (New York: Pantheon
Books, 1971).
3
"ScrabbleTM Check," Collins Dictionary, accessed November 25, 2023,
https://scrabble.collinsdictionary.com/check/.
4
Wiktionary, s.v. "Trisociation," last modified September 22, 2020,
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/trisociation.
5
WordSense Dictionary, s.v. "Trisociation," accessed November 25, 2023,
https://www.wordsense.eu/trisociation/.
6
Bronwyn Davies, “An analysis of primary school children's accounts of classroom interaction,” British
Journal of Sociology of Education 1, no. 3 (1980): 257-278.
7
Tom McArthur, “English in Tiers,” English Today 6, no. 3 (1990): 15-23.

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three concepts instead of two, trisociation expands the combinatorial possibilities and
opens a vast landscape of exploration, facilitating the generation of a greater variety of
unique ideas. In the context of trisociation, the use of generative AI models can
further enhance human creativity. By leveraging AI to suggest concepts or generate
ideas based on given prompts, trisociation can be augmented, leading to a broader
range of creative possibilities. The integration of generative AI within the trisociation
framework provides an exciting avenue for exploring the potential synergy between
human ideators and AI systems.8
THE METHOD OF BISOCIATION
The method of bisociation is a cognitive process that involves combining two
seemingly unrelated or disparate ideas or concepts to generate creative insights and
innovative solutions. This method emphasizes the ability to make connections
between different domains of knowledge or experience and harnesses the power of
associative thinking. Koestler proposed that the human mind operates on multiple
levels of consciousness, with each level representing a distinct matrix of ideas,
concepts, or mental frameworks. These matrices can range from scientific knowledge
and logical thinking to artistic inspiration and emotional intuition. Bisociation
embodies the belief that that creative thinking arises from the intersection of different
matrices.
Bisociation involves the intentional juxtaposition of two seemingly unrelated
concepts, ideas, or perspectives, aiming to uncover novel connections and generate
fresh insights. By combining disparate elements, individuals engage in cognitive leaps,
breaking away from conventional thinking patterns and fostering imaginative
breakthroughs. The core principle behind bisociation is that the collision of two
different mental frameworks sparks a creative spark, leading to the emergence of
innovative ideas. The method of Bisociation has been studied as an educational and
pedagogical tool in varied domains including art,9 mathematics,10 and religious
studies.11
The key aspect of bisociation is the intentional act of bringing together two
matrices that are normally kept separate, allowing their unique elements to interact
and create new associations. By combining unrelated concepts, bisociation challenges
conventional thinking patterns and opens up new possibilities for problem-solving,
innovation, and artistic creation. At the heart of bisociation lies the recognition that
creativity thrives on the clash of diverse ideas. By merging two seemingly unrelated
matrices, individuals can create an intellectual collision that gives birth to innovative
and unique solutions. This process requires a certain level of cognitive flexibility and
the willingness to explore unconventional connections. One example of bisociation in
action can be found in the field of technology. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc.,
8
Tojin T. Eapen, Daniel J. Finkenstadt, Josh Folk, and Lokesh Venkataswamy, "How Generative AI Can
Augment Human Creativity," Harvard Business Review 101, no. 4 (2023): 76-85.
9
Falk Heinrich, "Bisociation of Artistic and Academic Approaches in Problem-Based Projects," Journal
of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education 6, no. 1 (2018): 88-105.
10
Bronislaw Czarnocha, "Arthur Koestler’s Bisociation Theory," in Creativity of an Aha! Moment and
Mathematics Education, (Brill, 2021), 31-56.
11
J. G. Du Plessis, "Teaching Biblical Studies Creatively: A Theological Perspective," Scriptura: Journal for
Biblical, Theological and Contextual Hermeneutics 34 (1990): 28-37.

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was known for his ability to blend seemingly disparate ideas and concepts to create
revolutionary products. For instance, the concept of the iPhone was a result of
merging the functionalities of a phone, an iPod, and a personal computer into a single
device. This bisociation of different matrices led to the creation of a groundbreaking
product that transformed the way we communicate, consume media, and interact
with technology.
Similarly, in the realm of art and literature, bisociation has played a significant
role in the creation of masterpieces. The surrealist movement, led by artists like
Salvador Dali and René Magritte, relied heavily on the juxtaposition of unrelated
elements to challenge traditional notions of reality. By merging seemingly incongruent
ideas, the surrealist artists created thought-provoking and visually striking works that
pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. Moreover, bisociation has also been
applied in scientific discoveries and breakthroughs. Sir Isaac Newton's theory of
gravitation, for instance, emerged from a bisociation of his observations of falling
apples and the mathematical principles he had learned. This combination of natural
phenomena and mathematical concepts led to the formulation of one of the
fundamental laws of physics.
In addition to its application in specific domains, bisociation can also enhance
interdisciplinary thinking. Many of the most significant scientific and technological
advancements have emerged from the cross-pollination of ideas across different
disciplines. By bridging the gaps between diverse fields, researchers and innovators
can leverage the power of bisociation to find creative solutions to complex problems.
Furthermore, bisociation can be cultivated through various techniques and practices.
One such technique is the use of analogy and metaphor, which allows individuals to
draw connections between unrelated domains. Metaphors enable us to perceive
similarities and make sense of abstract concepts by linking them to more tangible or
familiar ideas. By employing metaphors, individuals can access different mental
matrices and facilitate the process of bisociation.
Another approach to fostering bisociative thinking is through exposure to
diverse experiences and knowledge. By engaging with different cultures, disciplines,
and perspectives, individuals can expand their mental matrices and increase the
likelihood of making novel connections. This can involve reading books from various
genres, attending interdisciplinary conferences, or collaborating with people from
different backgrounds. Furthermore, creating an environment that encourages open-
mindedness and experimentation is crucial for promoting bisociation. Organizations
and educational institutions can cultivate a culture that values the exploration of
unconventional ideas and welcomes diverse perspectives. By providing individuals
with the freedom to explore and combine different matrices, institutions can foster a
fertile ground for creative thinking and innovation.
Despite its potential benefits, bisociation also presents challenges and
limitations. The process of combining unrelated ideas requires careful discernment to
ensure that the resulting associations are meaningful and relevant. Without a
discerning approach, the act of bisociation can lead to random and unproductive
connections. It is essential to strike a balance between divergent thinking and
convergent thinking to harness the full potential of bisociation. Moreover, the
effectiveness of bisociation may vary depending on the individual's level of expertise
and familiarity with the matrices being combined. A deep understanding of the

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separate matrices is crucial for recognizing meaningful connections and generating
valuable insights. Therefore, individuals must invest time and effort in developing
knowledge and expertise in the domains they wish to bisociate. The process of
bisociation often involves several stages:
1. Exploration: Engage in a wide range of learning experiences and accumulate
knowledge from various domains. This step allows you to develop a diverse set
of mental matrices or frameworks.
2. Identify the problem or objective: Clearly define the problem or objective you
want to address or achieve. This provides a focus for your bisociative thinking
process.
3. Identify matrices: Select two distinct matrices or mental frameworks that are
seemingly unrelated to the problem or objective at hand.
4. Form connections: Seek connections or associations between the elements of
the two matrices. Look for patterns, similarities, or contrasts that can provide
new insights or perspectives.
5. Generate ideas: Allow the cross-pollination of ideas between the two matrices
to generate new and unconventional solutions or perspectives related to the
problem or objective.
6. Evaluate and refine: Evaluate the ideas generated through bisociation,
considering their feasibility, practicality, and potential impact. Refine and
develop the most promising ideas further.
7. Implement and iterate: Implement the selected ideas and continue to refine
them through an iterative process. Test and adapt the ideas based on feedback
and real-world results.
TRISOCIATION AS AN EXTENSION OF BISOCIATION
Trisociation may be viewed as an extension of the method of bisociation. Victor
Papanek listed trisociation, along with bisociation, brainstorming, synetics,
morphological analysis, sliding scales, bioinics and biomechanics, and forcing new
thinking patterns, as the eight methods that can help overcome the seven blocks that
inhibit the novel solving of tasks: perceptual, emotional, associational, cultural,
professional, intellectual, and environmental. While Papanek devoted more than three
pages to describing how bisociation may be used, the method of triscociation is
limited to a brief paragraph that alludes to the large number of ideas that could be
generated using this method. Papanek also describes the use of three icosahedral dice,
each with 20 faces, to generate 8000 forced associations using the method of
trisociation.12
In addition to bisociation, there are several other creativity techniques that
share similar objectives and principles. One such method is the forced association
technique, which encourages individuals to deliberately link unrelated concepts,
thereby fostering the discovery of unexpected connections and stimulating creativity.
This approach pushes individuals to think beyond the boundaries of their usual
thought processes and explore unconventional associations, often leading to inventive
12
Papanek, Design for the Real World, 181.

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solutions. Another related technique is the remote association technique, which
involves finding a link between three seemingly unrelated words. By mentally
connecting these disparate terms, individuals enhance their ability to generate original
ideas and approach problems from unique angles.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
The Method of Trisociation is a powerful cognitive tool that stimulates
creativity and promotes innovative thinking by combining three conceptually related
or distant elements. Rooted in the concept of associative thinking, trisociation enables
individuals to generate novel ideas, solutions, and insights by exploring connections
between seemingly unrelated concepts. This article explores the fundamental
principles of trisociation, its cognitive mechanisms, and its practical applications
across various domains. By understanding and harnessing the potential of trisociation,
individuals and organizations can unlock new levels of creativity and drive meaningful
innovation.
The theoretical basis for bisociation can be traced back to Aristotle's theory of
metaphor in ancient Greece.13 Aristotle recognized that metaphors involve the
mapping of attributes from one domain onto another, creating new meanings and
insights. The cognitive scientist Gilles Fauconnier and the linguist Mark Turner
developed the theory of conceptual blending in the 1990s based on Koestler’s work on
bisociation.14 They proposed that conceptual blending is a fundamental cognitive
process underlying human creativity and the generation of new ideas. Fauconnier and
Turner described how elements from different mental spaces are selectively mapped
onto a blended space, creating new connections and inferences.
At the core of conceptual blending theory are mental spaces, which can be
thought of as conceptual containers that store knowledge and information. Mental
spaces are cognitive constructs that allow us to organize and manipulate different
aspects of our experiences and knowledge. Structure mapping is a fundamental
process in conceptual blending that facilitates the integration of elements from
different mental spaces. It involves finding correspondences between the elements of
two or more mental spaces and creating systematic mappings that align their
structural and relational properties. Structure mapping helps establish connections
and identify similarities and differences, enabling the creation of blended spaces.
Conceptual integration networks, also known as blend networks, are the result of the
blending process. They are composite mental spaces that emerge when elements from
different input spaces are combined and integrated. These blend networks often
exhibit emergent structure, introducing new concepts, relations, and inferences that
go beyond the input spaces. Conceptual blending has been applied to various
domains, including psychology, artificial intelligence, and the study of creativity. It has
found applications in fields such as cognitive linguistics, cognitive science, philosophy,
and education.
13
Samuel R. Levin, “Aristotle's Theory of Metaphor,” Philosophy & Rhetoric 15, no. 1 (1982): 24-46.
14
Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner, “Conceptual Blending, Form and Meaning,” Recherches en
communication 19 (2003): 57-86.

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For example, let us suppose that a team of product designers is tasked with
creating a new smartphone that stands out in a crowded market. They apply
conceptual blending to generate innovative ideas. The designers start by identifying
two mental spaces: "nature" and "technology." The "nature" mental space includes
elements such as organic shapes, natural materials, and sustainability, while the
"technology" mental space comprises elements like sleek designs, cutting-edge
features, and connectivity. Through structure mapping, the designers find
correspondences between the elements of these mental spaces. They identify that both
"nature" and "technology" have concepts related to efficiency, balance, and user
experience. Using this insight, they create a blended space where the natural and
technological aspects are combined. In the blended space, the designers imagine a
smartphone with a sleek, organic design inspired by natural forms, like flowing curves
and smooth textures. They integrate sustainable materials such as recycled metals and
biodegradable components. The user interface takes inspiration from intuitive
interactions found in nature, incorporating gestures that mimic natural movements.
As a second example consider a marketing team is developing a brand
storytelling campaign for a clothing company that specializes in sustainable fashion.
They utilize conceptual blending to create a compelling narrative that connects with
their target audience. The team identifies two mental spaces: "nature" and "fashion.”
In the "nature" mental space, they consider elements such as natural beauty, harmony,
and environmental consciousness. In the "fashion" mental space, they explore
elements like style, self-expression, and personal identity. Through structure mapping,
the team identifies correspondences between these mental spaces, such as the
concepts of authenticity, craftsmanship, and conscious consumption. Using these
correspondences, they create a blended space where the beauty of nature and the
world of fashion intertwine. In this blended space, they craft a brand story that
emphasizes the brand's commitment to sustainable materials, ethical production
practices, and a connection to the natural world.
Another basis for both trisociation and bisociation can be found in the
associative theory of creativity. The associative theory of creativity emphasizes the role
of associations and connections in the creative process. According to this theory,
creative ideas arise from the combination of previously unrelated or loosely associated
elements. These associations can occur through various cognitive processes, such as
analogical reasoning, metaphorical thinking, and the activation of remote or distant
associations. Sarnoff A. Mednick proposed the associative theory as a framework to
explain the generation of creative ideas.15 Mednick argued that creative thinking
involves the ability to forge connections between ideas or concepts that are not
typically associated with each other. The roots of the associative theory can be traced
to Charles Spearman who proposed the concept of "associative memory" as a
component of intelligence, suggesting that individuals with high associative memory
are more likely to exhibit creative thinking.16
In his research, Mednick explored the concept of “remote associates,” where
individuals are presented with three seemingly unrelated words and must find a
common link. This task reflects the cognitive process of making connections between
15
Sarnoff Mednick, “The Associative Basis of the Creative Process,” Psychological Review 69, no. 3 (1962):
220.
16
Charles Spearman, Creative Mind (Cambridge: The University Press, 1930).

9
disparate elements, which is central to creative thinking. Mednick's contributions to
the associative theory of creativity are significant. He developed the Remote
Associates Test (RAT), a widely used psychological test that measures an individual's
ability to make remote associations. The RAT assesses the creative thinking ability by
presenting participants with three unrelated words and asking them to identify a
fourth word that connects the three given words. Mednick's research using the RAT
demonstrated that individuals with high scores on the test tend to exhibit greater
creative problem-solving abilities.
The process of trisociation can be utilized to alleviate schema incongruity that
arises from the bisociation of two concepts. George Mandler presents an intriguing
possibility, suggesting that even in the presence of schema incongruity, positive affect
can be generated if access to an alternate schema is available.17 To illustrate, let's
consider the unrelated concepts of 'fish' and 'bicycle.' When these concepts are
bisociated, schema incongruity emerges. However, introducing a third concept that is
closely related to both fish and bicycle, such as 'sustainability,' can partially resolve the
incongruity. For instance, the notion of a fish riding a bicycle to promote sustainability
might evoke more positive affect compared to a fish simply riding a bicycle.
The related conceptual metaphor theory suggests our understanding of abstract
concepts is shaped by metaphorical mappings from more concrete domains.
According to this theory, we use metaphors as a means to comprehend and make
sense of abstract concepts by mapping them onto more tangible and familiar concepts.
Key contributors to the conceptual metaphor theory include George Lakoff and Mark
Johnson. In their seminal work "Metaphors We Live By," Lakoff and Johnson proposed
that metaphor is not merely a linguistic device but a fundamental cognitive
mechanism that structures our thoughts and perceptions.18 They argued that
metaphorical mappings, such as "love is a journey" or "time is money," are pervasive in
our everyday language and shape how we conceptualize and experience the world.
Since Lakoff and Johnson's groundbreaking work, numerous scholars have expanded
on the conceptual metaphor theory, exploring its implications in various domains
such as emotions, politics, and culture. These include Zoltán Kövecses, Ray Gibbs, and
Mark Turner, among others, who have further developed and applied the theory in
their research.
THE LOGIC OF TRISOCIATION
It is helpful to consider why using the method of trisociation is helpful or
warranted. The foundations of the logic of trisociation can be found in associationism.
Associationism is a psychological theory that emphasizes the idea that complex
mental processes, such as learning and memory, are composed of the association of
simple ideas or sensations. It suggests that the human mind organizes experiences by
forming connections between different elements in the environment. These
connections, known as associations, are the building blocks of thought and behavior.
The associationism school of thought is a psychological perspective that emphasizes
17
George Mandler, "The Structure of Value: Accounting for Taste," in Affect and Cognition: The 17th
Annual Carnegie Symposium on Cognition, ed. M. S. Clark and S. T. Fiske (Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum, 1984),
Center for Human Information Processing Report 101.
18
George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, Metaphors We Live By (University of Chicago Press, 2008).

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the role of associations in learning, memory, and cognition. It posits that complex
mental processes and behaviors are formed through the association of simple ideas or
sensations. The associationism approach suggests that the mind organizes information
by forming connections between different elements in the environment.
The associationism theory finds its roots in Plato's Phaedo, particularly in the
concept of anamnesis. The idea of association, as demonstrated by Simmias and the
lyre, is highlighted as elements of similarity and contiguity. However, it is Aristotle
who is credited with originating associationism thinking based on a passage that
explains the process of Reminiscence. According to Aristotle, when we engage in
Reminiscence, we go through a series of precursor movements until we reach a
movement that is habitually associated with what we are seeking. This process
involves exploring the mental connections from the present or other experiences,
based on their similarities, differences, or proximity. Through this process,
Reminiscence is achieved, as the subsequent movement is already partially
accomplished due to the preceding associations. The associationism school gained
significant prominence during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly with the works
of British empiricists like John Locke, David Hume, and later, James Mill and his son
John Stuart Mill.
John Locke (1632-1704) proposed the theory of empiricism, asserting that all
knowledge comes from experience. He believed that the mind is a blank slate (tabula
rasa) at birth and that associations between simple ideas form the basis of complex
thought. In Chapter 33 of his book "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding"
titled "Of the Association of Ideas," John Locke introduced the concept of "association
of ideas.”19 In this chapter, Locke explores the various methods through which ideas
can be linked or interconnected with one another. Hume expanded on Locke's ideas
and argued that associations are formed through three principles: resemblance,
contiguity, and cause and effect. He emphasized the importance of experience and
observation in shaping human understanding.
The associationism perspective gained further traction with the advent of
experimental psychology. Researchers such as Edward Thorndike and Ivan Pavlov
conducted influential experiments on animal learning, contributing to the
understanding of associative processes. Thorndike's "puzzle box" experiments
demonstrated that animals learn through trial and error, forming associations
between specific behaviors and their consequences. Pavlov's classical conditioning
experiments showed how associations are formed between neutral stimuli and
meaningful stimuli, leading to conditioned responses. The associationism school of
thought has had a lasting impact on psychology, providing a foundation for theories
and research in areas such as learning, memory, and cognitive processes. While
contemporary psychology has expanded to include other perspectives, the principles
of associationism continue to be relevant in understanding how experiences shape our
thoughts, behaviors, and mental representations.
19
John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, ed. P. H. Nidditch (Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 1979), 1690.

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Gluksberg reviews the key works of three individuals whose works contribute
to our understanding of trisociation – Koestler, Mandler, and Berelyne.20 For this, we
first turn to the concept of bisociation, and why it is useful model. Koestler, in his
work attempts to show how bisociation is different from association. According to
Koestler, the the creative process, ranging from ordinary wordplay to extraordinary
discoveries, occurs unconsciously through the merging of two distinct matrices or
frameworks, a process known as bisociation. Bisociation sets itself apart from
association by initially keeping the two elements separated within their respective
frameworks. When idea A and idea B come together for the first time, their
coincidental encounter is evaluated as either creative or noncreative based on whether
or not they belonged to the same matrix prior to their convergence. If idea A and idea
B were already part of the same matrix, the act is deemed uncreative. However,
according to Gluksberg, Koestler provides no directions on classifying matrices and
not provide a way of distinguishing bisociation from association other than
perceptions of creativity of the outcome. Consequently, Gluksberg finds Koestler’s
theory to be “fascinating, sparking, and unconvincing.”
Next, we turn to the work of Daniel Berlyne (1924-1976) was a prominent
psychologist known for his significant contributions to the field of aesthetics and the
study of human creativity. Berlyne proposed the arousal-seeking theory, which
suggests that humans are motivated to seek out and engage with stimuli that offer an
optimal level of arousal.21 According to this theory, individuals are attracted to stimuli
that are neither too simple nor too complex, striking a balance between novelty and
familiarity. Berlyne proposed the concept of “conflict” as a key element in aesthetic
experience.22 He argued that exposure to stimuli that contain conflicting or
contradictory elements leads to heightened arousal and interest.
JUMP-OFF POINTS FOR IDEAS
Jump-off points refer to the initial concepts or stimuli used to kickstart the
process of generating new ideas and connections. They serve as the starting point for
trisociation, providing a foundation from which creative associations and associations
can emerge. The selection of jump-off points is a critical step in the trisociation
process, as they set the stage for exploring new connections and relationships between
concepts. These initial concepts can be related or unrelated, depending on the desired
outcome and the specific problem or challenge at hand. Jump-off points can be
derived from various sources, including existing concepts, objects, words, images, or
even abstract ideas. They can be chosen based on their relevance to the problem being
addressed or based on their potential to spark innovative thinking. The goal is to
select concepts that have the potential to lead to unexpected associations and novel
insights.
Trisociation, as a creativity technique, warrants careful study due to its
immense potential in yielding a substantial array of jump-off points for generating
20
S. Glucksberg, "Review: II, The Problem of Human Thought," review of Thinking: From Association to
Gestalt; The Act of Creation; Structure & Direction in Thinking by J. M. Mandler, G. Mandler, A. Koestler,
D. E. Berlyne, American Scientist 53, no. 2 (June 1965): 299-301.
21
Daniel E. Berlyne, Conflict, Arousal, and Curiosity (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1960).
22
Daniel E. Berlyne, Aesthetics and Psychobiology (New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1971).

12
new ideas. This technique holds particular promise when compared to bisociation,
especially when working with a larger set of base concepts exceeding five. To better
understand its effectiveness, let us delve into an illustrative example of an ideation
activity employing concept cards. In this ideation activity, participants are presented
with a diverse collection of concept cards, each depicting a unique idea, theme, or
concept. These cards serve as the building blocks for the creative process. Each
participant is randomly assigned a certain number of these concept cards, providing
them with a foundation from which to generate fresh associations and novel
connections. If the bisociation method is employed, the ideator is assigned two cards,
whereas with the trisociation method, three cards are provided to facilitate the
ideation process.
The objective of this activity is for participants to utilize the concepts depicted
on their cards to generate innovative ideas that blend and interrelate these concepts.
The advantage of trisociation becomes particularly evident when dealing with a larger
set of base concepts. As the number of concept cards increases, the combinatorial
possibilities expand exponentially, leading to an even greater number of unique jump-
off points using trisociation for generating creative ideas. This opens up a vast
landscape of exploration, enabling participants to explore large number opportunity
spaces compared to bisociation. Let's consider an initial deck comprising five cards,
each representing a distinct concept. If the bisociation method is employed, two cards
are selected, while three cards are chosen for the trisociation method. When dealing
with five concepts {A, B, C, D, E}, both trisociation and bisociation yield an equal
number of combinations, which is five. The table below illustrates the potential jump-
off points for idea generation using bisociation and trisociation (Table 1). This presents
an excellent opportunity to delve into the relative effectiveness of the two approaches
in generating high-quality ideas, as we explore the entire range of jump-off points for
both bisociation and trisociation
Table 1: Jump-off points for five initial concepts {A, B, C, D, E}
Bisociation Trisociation
{A, B} {A, B, C}
{A, C} {A, B, D}
{A, D} {A, B, E}
{A, E} {A, C, D}
{B, C} {A, C, E}
{B, D} {A, D, E}
{B, E} {B, C, D}
{C, D} {B, C, E}
{C, E} {B, D, E}
{D, E} {C, D, E}
When we consider 100 initial concepts, bisociation provides a total of C(100,2) =
4950 jump-off points, whereas trisociation offers a significantly larger number of
jump-off points with C(100,3) = 161,700 unique combinations (Table 2). This represents
a remarkable 32-fold increase in the number of potential jump-off points when
employing trisociation compared to bisociation (Figure 1).

13
Table 2: Jump-off Points
n C(n,2) C(n,3) C(n,4)
3 3 1 0
4 6 4 1
5 10 10 5
10 45 120 210
20 190 1,140 4,845
100 4,950 161,700 3,921,225
Figure 1. Comparison of Jump-off Points for Bisociation vs. Trisociation
TRISOCIATION: SOME KEY PRINCIPLES
In today's rapidly evolving world, creativity and innovation have become crucial
drivers of success and competitiveness. The Method of Trisociation offers a structured
approach to stimulate creative thinking, enabling individuals to break free from
conventional thought patterns and generate fresh ideas. By combining three distinct
elements, trisociation encourages the exploration of diverse perspectives and
facilitates the emergence of novel connections. Trisociation operates on the
fundamental principles of associative thinking and cognitive flexibility. By engaging in
the trisociation process, individuals activate various cognitive mechanisms that
enhance creativity:
1. Pattern Recognition: Trisociation encourages individuals to identify patterns
and associations between disparate concepts. By recognizing underlying
similarities or analogies, individuals can generate unique ideas by bridging the
gaps between these concepts.
2. Conceptual Blending: Trisociation involves the process of blending concepts
from different domains, allowing for the creation of new mental constructs.
This cognitive blending promotes the generation of original ideas that combine
elements from multiple sources.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0 5 10 15 20 25
Biosciation v. Trisociation Jump-off Points
C(n,2) C(n,3)

14
3. Divergent Thinking: Trisociation stimulates divergent thinking, a cognitive
process that explores multiple possibilities and generates a wide range of ideas.
By encouraging unconventional thinking and defying limitations, trisociation
enables individuals to push boundaries and explore uncharted territories.
THE TRISOCIATION PROCESS
1. Selection of Concepts: The first step in trisociation involves selecting three
conceptually related or distant elements that form the foundation of the
creative exploration. These concepts can be chosen based on their relevance to
the problem or the desired outcome.
2. Exploration of Associations: Once the concepts are identified, individuals
embark on a journey of exploring associations and connections between them.
This phase encourages the generation of diverse associations, regardless of their
immediate relevance or coherence.
3. Bridging Associations: In this stage, individuals focus on identifying links and
bridges between the associations generated in the previous step. By finding
commonalities or shared characteristics, individuals can establish meaningful
connections and bridge the gaps between the concepts.
4. Idea Generation and Synthesis: The final stage of trisociation involves
synthesizing the associations and connections into actionable ideas or
solutions. By combining elements from the three concepts, individuals can
generate innovative and unique outcomes that address the problem or
challenge at hand.
APPLICATIONS OF TRISOCIATION
1. Product Design and Innovation: Trisociation can be applied in product design
to create innovative and user-centric solutions. By combining three
conceptually related elements, designers can generate unique product features,
aesthetics, and functionalities that resonate with consumers.
2. Problem Solving and Decision Making: Trisociation provides a structured
approach to problem-solving and decision-making processes. By exploring
diverse perspectives and blending concepts, individuals can uncover
unconventional solutions and make informed decisions.
3. Marketing and Advertising: Trisociation can be leveraged in marketing and
advertising campaigns to create compelling messages and experiences. By
combining three seemingly unrelated elements, marketers can develop
memorable campaigns that capture attention, evoke emotions, and establish
strong brand connections.
LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES
While the method of trisociation offers immense potential to support idea
generation and divergent thinking, it is essential to recognize its limitations and
challenges. Here are some of the key limitations:

15
• Cognitive Load: The trisociation process can be mentally demanding, requiring
individuals to hold multiple concepts in mind simultaneously. This cognitive
load may limit the capacity for extensive exploration and idea generation.
• Availability of Associations: Trisociation heavily relies on the availability of
diverse associations and knowledge in the individual's repertoire. If one's
knowledge base is limited or lacks exposure to a wide range of domains, it may
hinder the generation of novel and diverse associations.
• Expertise and Domain-Specific Knowledge: Trisociation relies on the breadth
and depth of an individual's knowledge and expertise across different domains.
The lack of familiarity or understanding in certain areas may limit the ability to
make meaningful associations or hinder the exploration of certain possibilities.
• Coherence and Relevance: Given the potential for divergent thinking,
trisociation may produce ideas or associations that lack immediate coherence
or relevance. It is crucial to filter and evaluate generated ideas to ensure
practicality and applicability.
• Lack of Structure: Trisociation is a relatively unstructured process, which can
lead to a lack of clear guidelines or frameworks. This ambiguity may make it
difficult for individuals to know when and how to effectively apply trisociation
techniques, potentially hindering their ability to harness its full potential.
• Integration and Synthesis: While trisociation encourages the combination of
disparate ideas, it can be challenging to integrate and synthesize these ideas
into a cohesive and practical solution. The process of reconciling and merging
unrelated concepts requires careful consideration and may require additional
effort.
• Conceptual Barriers: Trisociation may face challenges when attempting to
merge concepts from vastly different domains or disciplines. Certain ideas may
have inherent incompatibilities or conflicting frameworks, making it difficult to
find meaningful connections.
• Biases and Assumptions: Trisociation can be influenced by personal biases,
preconceived notions, and assumptions. These cognitive biases may limit the
exploration of truly novel and groundbreaking associations, as individuals may
unknowingly gravitate towards familiar or comfortable ideas.
• Overcoming Mental Blocks: Trisociation relies on breaking free from
conventional thinking patterns and exploring new associations. However,
individuals may encounter mental blocks or resistance to deviate from
established ideas or concepts, hindering the generation of truly innovative
associations.
• Time and Effort: Engaging in trisociation requires time and effort to explore
and combine various concepts. The process of finding meaningful connections
and refining ideas can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with
complex or abstract concepts.
• Evaluation and Implementation: Trisociation primarily focuses on idea
generation, but evaluating and implementing the generated ideas can be a
separate challenge. Assessing the feasibility, practicality, and potential impact
of trisociated ideas requires additional analysis and consideration.
• Contextual Limitations: Trisociation may be influenced by the immediate
context in which it is applied. Certain fields or industries may have established

16
frameworks or constraints that limit the range of associations that can be
formed, reducing the potential for truly disruptive ideas.
• Individual Differences: Trisociation may vary in effectiveness depending on an
individual's cognitive abilities, knowledge base, and creativity. Some
individuals may find it easier to make unexpected associations, while others
may struggle to break free from conventional thinking patterns.
• Practical Implementation: While trisociation can lead to creative and
innovative ideas, the practical implementation of these ideas may pose
additional challenges. Factors such as technical feasibility, economic viability,
and social acceptance need to be considered when transitioning from ideation
to implementation.
• Group Dynamics: Trisociation can be a valuable technique for group
collaboration and brainstorming. However, it also introduces challenges related
to group dynamics, such as communication barriers, differing perspectives, and
potential conflicts. Managing these dynamics effectively is crucial to ensure
productive and inclusive trisociation sessions.
• Integration and Communication: Trisociation is often an individual or small-
group process. Effectively integrating trisociated ideas into larger teams or
organizations and communicating these ideas to others can present challenges.
Aligning perspectives, overcoming resistance, and fostering collaboration are
essential for successful implementation.
RESOLVING BISOCIATION INCONGRUITY
In the following examples, the introduction of a third concept helps bridge the
gap between the initially incongruous concepts and allows for a more coherent mental
representation. This, in turn, can generate positive affect by providing a pathway for
cognitive integration and making the combination of concepts more relatable or
meaningful. Notice, however, the third concept that is being trisociated is a product of
bisociation. This is analogical to a trisociation involving two parents and a child.
However, in other cases, the incongruity-resolving trisociant is a external that is
moderately or strongly associated with the first two concepts.
1. Imagine the concepts of "pizza" and "quantum mechanics" being bisociated,
resulting in schema incongruity. However, by introducing a third concept that
is related to both, such as "technology," the incongruity can be partially
resolved. For example, envisioning a pizza delivery drone that utilizes quantum
mechanics for efficient navigation and delivery can create a more positive affect
than simply picturing a pizza or quantum mechanics alone.
2. Consider the bisociation of "music" and "rocket science," leading to schema
incongruity. To alleviate this incongruity, a third concept like "innovation" can
be introduced. For instance, envisioning a futuristic musical instrument that
utilizes principles of rocket science to create unique sounds and melodies can
generate positive affect compared to thinking about music and rocket science
in isolation.
3. Let's explore the bisociation of "dogs" and "artificial intelligence." Schema
incongruity arises from combining these unrelated concepts. However,
introducing a third concept like "companion" can help alleviate the

17
incongruity. For instance, imagining a robotic dog companion that utilizes
artificial intelligence to interact and bond with its owner can evoke more
positive affect compared to thinking about dogs or artificial intelligence
separately.
4. Think about the bisociation of "mountain" and "computer programming,"
resulting in schema incongruity. Introducing a third concept such as
"simulation" can help resolve the incongruity. For example, envisioning a
virtual reality simulation where one can program the behavior and landscape of
a mountain can generate more positive affect than simply thinking about
mountains or computer programming alone.
5. Consider the bisociation of "coffee" and "space exploration," leading to schema
incongruity. Introducing a third concept like "adaptability" can help alleviate
the incongruity. For instance, envisioning a special coffee blend developed for
astronauts to enhance adaptability and focus during space missions can evoke
more positive affect compared to thinking about coffee or space exploration
separately.
6. Suppose we have the unrelated concepts of "music" and "mathematics." When
these concepts are bisociated, schema incongruity arises. However, introducing
a third concept that is closely related to both music and mathematics, such as
"harmony," can alleviate the incongruity. For example, exploring the
mathematical principles behind harmonies in music can create a more
coherent and positive affect compared to a mere combination of music and
mathematics.
7. Consider the bisociation of "book" and "mountain." This combination creates
schema incongruity. However, introducing a third concept like "imagination,"
which is closely related to both books and mountains, can help alleviate the
incongruity. For instance, picturing a magical mountain described in a book
that fuels the reader's imagination may evoke more positive affect compared to
solely contemplating books or mountains.
8. Consider the bisociation of "ocean" and "fashion," resulting in schema
incongruity. Introducing a third concept like "fluidity," which is closely related
to both the ocean and fashion, can help alleviate the incongruity. For example,
imagining a fashion collection inspired by the fluidity of ocean waves and
movements might generate more positive affect compared to simply
considering the ocean or fashion separately.
9. Consider the concepts of "music" and "architecture." When these two concepts
are bisociated, schema incongruity arises because they are seemingly unrelated.
However, introducing a third concept like "acoustics" can alleviate the
incongruity. By considering how architectural design can enhance the acoustics
of a concert hall or music studio, the incongruity between music and
architecture is partially resolved. This trisociation allows for a more cohesive
understanding and appreciation of the relationship between the two domains.
The principles and examples described in the passage can be applied in various
creative fields such as marketing, advertising, humor, and storytelling. By
understanding how the introduction of a third concept can bridge the gap between

18
initially incongruous concepts, professionals in these fields can create more engaging
and relatable content. Here's how these principles can be used:
1. Marketing: Marketers can utilize the concept of trisociation to create
memorable and impactful campaigns. By connecting their product or brand
with two seemingly unrelated concepts and introducing a third concept that is
associated with both, marketers can make their offerings more relatable and
appealing to their target audience. For example, a technology company could
promote their pizza delivery drone by highlighting its utilization of quantum
mechanics for efficient navigation, thus combining the concepts of technology,
pizza, and quantum mechanics to generate positive affect and intrigue.
2. Marketing: Imagine a skincare brand that wants to promote its new product
line. They could bisociate the concepts of "skincare" and "space exploration" to
create schema incongruity. However, by introducing a third concept like
"rejuvenation," they can resolve the incongruity. The marketing campaign
could showcase how the skincare products incorporate innovative ingredients
inspired by space research to provide advanced rejuvenation and promote
youthful skin.
3. Advertising: Advertisers can employ trisociation to capture attention and create
memorable advertisements. By combining two unrelated concepts and
introducing a third concept that resolves the incongruity, advertisers can evoke
positive affect and curiosity in viewers. For instance, an advertisement for a
musical instrument could highlight its innovative features inspired by rocket
science, making the connection between music and rocket science more
relatable and intriguing.
4. Advertising: A car manufacturer wants to promote its electric vehicle (EV)
model. They can bisociate the concepts of "environmental sustainability" and
"luxury" to create schema incongruity. To resolve the incongruity, they
introduce a third concept like "innovation." The advertising campaign could
highlight how the EV combines environmentally-friendly features with
luxurious design and innovative technology, appealing to customers who seek
both eco-consciousness and luxury in their vehicle.
5. Humor: Comedians and comedy writers can employ trisociation to create
humor through unexpected connections. By juxtaposing two unrelated
concepts and introducing a third concept that resolves the incongruity, they
can surprise and amuse the audience. Comedy sketches or jokes that involve
unexpected combinations like dogs, artificial intelligence, and companionship
can tickle the audience's funny bone by playing with incongruity and creating
humorous mental images.
6. Humor: A stand-up comedian is performing a routine and wants to engage the
audience with unexpected connections. They bisociate the concepts of "coffee"
and "time travel," creating schema incongruity. To resolve the incongruity in a
humorous way, they introduce a third concept like "caffeine addiction." The
comedian jokes about how a time traveler's only goal is to find the perfect cup
of coffee throughout history, generating laughs by playing with the incongruity
of time travel and caffeine addiction.
7. Storytelling: Authors, screenwriters, and storytellers can use trisociation to
make their narratives more engaging and thought-provoking. By combining

19
two seemingly unrelated concepts and introducing a third concept that bridges
the gap, they can create compelling storylines and settings. For example, a
fantasy novel could feature a magical mountain described in a book that fuels
the characters' imagination, blending the concepts of books, mountains, and
imagination to create a vivid and captivating story world.
8. Storytelling: A filmmaker wants to create a unique and captivating movie. They
bisociate the concepts of "painting" and "astronomy," resulting in schema
incongruity. However, by introducing a third concept like "perception," they
can resolve the incongruity. The film's storyline could revolve around an artist
who discovers a hidden astronomical phenomenon visible only through specific
paintings, exploring the idea of how perception and art can unlock hidden
cosmic wonders.
In all these applications, trisociation allows for the resolution of schema incongruity,
enabling the creation of more coherent mental representations. This, in turn,
generates positive affect by making the combination of concepts more relatable,
meaningful, and memorable to the audience.
THE HEGELIAN DIALECTIC
Trisociation, the process of associating three independent concepts or frames of
references to generate new ideas, is a powerful cognitive tool that facilitates
innovation and problem-solving. When combined with the Hegelian Dialectic, a
philosophical framework encompassing thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, trisociation
offers a structured approach to critical and creative learning. The Hegelian Dialectic
proposes that the clash between a thesis (an existing concept or idea) and its
antithesis (a contrasting concept or idea) leads to the emergence of a synthesis, a new
concept that transcends the limitations of both thesis and antithesis. Trisociation
complements this process by introducing a third independent concept, expanding the
scope of possibilities and enhancing the creative potential.
The Hegelian dialectic, consisting of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, is a
philosophical concept developed by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.23 Although the
specific terminology of "thesis," "antithesis," and "synthesis" is not directly used by
Hegel himself, these terms have come to be associated with his dialectical method.
Trisociation, when combined with the Hegelian Dialectic, encourages critical thinking
and problem-solving. By introducing a third concept to the thesis-antithesis
framework, trisociation prompts individuals to consider multiple perspectives,
challenge assumptions, and identify innovative solutions. For example, imagine a
scenario where a company is facing declining sales for its product. Applying the
Hegelian Dialectic alone, one might identify the thesis as the existing marketing
strategy, and the antithesis as the changing consumer preferences. However, by
incorporating trisociation, a third concept such as emerging technologies or
alternative distribution channels can be introduced. This enables the exploration of
new ideas that transcend the limitations of the initial thesis and antithesis, leading to
23
G. W. F. Hegel, Phenomenology of Spirit, trans. A. V. Miller (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1977),
1807.

20
the synthesis of a more comprehensive marketing strategy. The thesis may be an
emphasis on sleek design, while the antithesis may focus on maximizing battery life.
By introducing a third concept through trisociation, such as advanced camera
technology or sustainable materials, designers can explore possibilities that combine
aesthetic appeal, extended battery life, and cutting-edge features. This integration of
diverse concepts can result in a novel synthesis, producing a smartphone that stands
out in the market.
TRISOCIATION WITH GENERATIVE AI
Using artificial intelligence for creativity through conceptual blending has been
an area of research interest.24 Our next objective is to explore the potential of using
generative AI models to support and enhance human creativity within the framework
of trisociation. To begin with a simple case of trisociation utilizing generative AI, we
will examine how ideas can be inspired by nature by incorporating a nature-related
theme as one of the three associating concepts.
To explore the process of generating with generative AI using the method of
trisociation, we first generated a list of 100 noun concepts. From these concepts, three
were randomly selected. The selected concepts are {laughter, art, memory}
Next we attempted to generate 10 distinct ideas for both bisociation (using two
concepts) and trisociation (using three concepts). To initiate this process, we present
the following prompt to ChatGPT: “Generate 10 compelling business ideas by
synergistically associating the following two (three) concepts: {list of concepts}”.
Summaries of the ideas generated are listed in the below table. Our goal is to test if
the method of trisociation yields ideas different from the method of bisociation. We
observe that while there is a significant overlap of ideas, some ideas obtained through
trisociation such as the laughter art therapy centre for individuals with memory-
related challenges (trisociation idea 6) and memory-based comic book series
(trisociation idea 9) were uniquely obtained through trisociation (Table 3).
Table 3: Ideas generated by ChatGPT for {laughter, art, memory}
Method Trisociation Bisociation
Concepts {laughter, art,
memory}
{laughter, art} {laughter,
memory}
{art, memory}
Idea 1 Laughter Art Gallery:
Create an art gallery
that specializes in
showcasing
humorous and light-
hearted artworks.
Laughter Therapy
Studio: Create a
unique art-based
therapy studio that
combines laughter
and artistic
expression.
Comedy Club with a
Twist: Create a
comedy club that
specializes in
interactive and
immersive
experiences.
Artful Memory:
Create a business
that combines art
and memory
preservation
Idea 2 Memory Lane
Comedy Club:
Comedy Art
Exhibition:
Humor-Based
Memory Training
Memory Museum:
Establish a museum
24
Francisco Câmara Pereira, Creativity and Artificial Intelligence: A Conceptual Blending Approach
(Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, 2007).

21
Combine the power
of laughter and
memory by
establishing a comedy
club that focuses on
nostalgic humor.
Organize an
innovative art
exhibition that
showcases
humorous and witty
artworks from
talented artists.
App: Develop a
mobile application
that combines
humor and memory
training techniques.
that showcases
interactive and
immersive art
installations
designed to
stimulate and evoke
memories.
Idea 3 Laugh Therapy
Studio: Develop a
business that offers
laughter therapy
sessions combined
with art therapy.
Artistic Comedy
Club: Establish a
comedy club with a
focus on showcasing
performances that
incorporate art
forms like
improvisation,
sketch comedy, and
visual storytelling.
Laughter Therapy
Retreats: Establish
retreat centers
focused on laughter
therapy and
memory
enhancement.
Memory Lane Cafe:
Open a themed café
where customers
can enjoy delicious
food and beverages
while surrounded by
artistic displays that
evoke nostalgic
memories.
Idea 4 Artful Comedy
Workshops: Organize
workshops that
merge art and
comedy to provide a
unique learning
experience.
Laugh-Inspired Art
Merchandise: Create
a brand that
produces and sells
art-inspired
merchandise
designed to bring
laughter into
people's everyday
lives.
Comedy and
Memory
Improvement
Workshops:
Organize workshops
where professional
comedians teach
memory
improvement
techniques.
Memory Therapy
Workshops:
Organize workshops
that combine art
therapy techniques
with memory
enhancement
exercises.
Idea 5 Memory Museum of
Humor: Establish a
museum dedicated to
preserving and
showcasing the
history of humor.
Laughter-Based Art
Education: Launch a
platform that offers
online courses and
workshops that
combine laughter
and art education.
Laughing
Meditation Classes:
Combine the
benefits of laughter
and meditation by
offering laughing
meditation classes.
Artistic Memory
Books: Offer a
service that
combines
professional writing
and artistic design to
create personalized
memory books.
Idea 6 Laughter Art Therapy
Center: Create a
center that combines
laughter therapy and
art therapy for
individuals facing
memory-related
challenges, such as
Alzheimer's or
dementia.
Artistic Comedy
Podcast: Start a
podcast that
explores the
intersection of art
and comedy. Invite
artists, comedians,
and creative
professionals as
guests to discuss
how humor and
artistic expression
intertwine.
Laughter-Infused
Learning Materials:
Develop educational
materials, such as
books, videos, or
online courses, that
incorporate humor
and laughter into
the learning
process.
Memory Artisan
Products: Create a
line of artisanal
products inspired by
memories and
artistic expression.
Idea 7 Comedy Artisan
Marketplace: Build an
online platform that
connects artists
specializing in humor
and laughter-themed
artwork with
potential buyers.
Laughter-Inspired
Art Therapy Kits:
Develop art therapy
kits that combine
laughter exercises
and art materials for
individuals to use at
home.
Memory-Boosting
Board Games:
Create board games
that blend memory-
enhancing elements
with humor and
laughter.
Memory-Based
Photography Studio:
Establish a
photography studio
that specializes in
capturing memories
through artistic and
creative techniques.

22
Idea 8 Memory Recall
Comedy Podcast:
Launch a podcast
that blends comedy
and memory recall
techniques.
Artistic Comedy
Animation Studio:
Establish an
animation studio
that specializes in
creating comedic
animations with
artistic flair.
Comedy-Based
Memory
Supplements:
Develop memory
supplements that
contain natural
ingredients known
to enhance
cognitive function,
combined with
humor-themed
branding and
marketing.
Art Therapy for
Memory Loss:
Develop a business
that provides art
therapy sessions
specifically designed
for individuals
dealing with
memory loss or
neurodegenerative
conditions.
Idea 9 Laughter Art
Retreats: Create
retreats that combine
laughter, art, and
mindfulness activities
in serene and
inspiring locations.
Laugh-Inspired Art
Retreats: Organize
unique art retreats
that combine
laughter exercises,
artistic workshops,
and immersive
experiences in
picturesque
locations.
Laughter-Activated
Memory Recall
Devices: Invent a
wearable device that
uses laughter as a
trigger for memory
recall.
Memory-inspired
Event Planning:
Launch an event
planning company
that specializes in
creating immersive
and memorable
experiences.
Idea 10 Memory-based Comic
Book Series: Develop
a comic book series
that revolves around
humor and memory-
related themes.
Artistic Comedy
App: Develop a
mobile app that
merges art and
comedy, allowing
users to create and
share comedic
content with an
artistic twist.
Laughter-Infused
Memory Care
Centers: Create
specialized memory
care centers for
individuals with
cognitive decline,
incorporating
laughter therapy as
a core component.
Memory-inspired
Fashion Brand: Start
a fashion brand that
draws inspiration
from personal
memories and
emotions.
Next, let's consider the case where one of the concepts is known or fixed in
advance. This is a common application for the method of bisociation, where a novel
idea is to be identified for an existing product, process, or business model. In this case,
let us assume that a restaurant is looking to use bisociation/trisociation to identify
new business ideas. Thus, our fixed concept is {restaurant}. If we start with a deck of
100 concepts, this means that trisociation yields C(100,2) = 4950 potential jump-off
points. In the case of bisociation, only C(100,1) = 100 unique starting points are
possible.
To compare the ideas generated in this manner, we use a similar approach to
the previous exercise. Using our base list of 100 concepts, we randomly select 2
concepts. This time, the randomly selected concepts are {soccer, harmony}. Next, we
attempt to generate 10 distinct ideas for both bisociation (using two concepts
including ‘restaurant’) and trisociation (using all three concepts). To initiate this
process, we present the same prompt from the previous exercise to ChatGPT:
"Generate 10 compelling business ideas by synergistically associating the following two
(three) concepts: {list of concepts}." Summaries of the ideas generated are listed in the
table below.

23
Here, we observe that some of the ideas generated through trisociation, such as
'Goal Gourmet' (trisociation idea 1) and 'Pitch Perfect' (idea 2), combine all three
concepts and are not identified using bisociation (Table 4).
Table 4: Ideas generated by ChatGPT for {restaurant, soccer, harmony}
Concepts {restaurant, soccer,
harmony}
{restaurant, soccer} {restaurant, harmony}
Idea 1 Goal Gourmet: A soccer-
themed restaurant that
offers a harmonious fusion
of international cuisines.
The Goal Line Grill: A
sports-themed restaurant
that combines the love of
soccer with delicious food.
Harmony Bistro: Create a
restaurant that specializes in
promoting harmony through
food.
Idea 2 Pitch Perfect: A restaurant
that combines the
excitement of live soccer
matches with a harmonious
dining experience.
Soccer Gourmet: A unique
catering service that
specializes in providing
gourmet food experiences at
soccer events.
Harmonious Gatherings:
Establish a unique event
planning and catering
service that focuses on
creating harmonious and
balanced experiences for
gatherings.
Idea 3 Soccer Harmony Academy:
A business that offers soccer
training programs for
children, emphasizing
teamwork, discipline, and
harmony on and off the
field.
The Soccer Fanatic's Sports
Bar: A sports bar dedicated
to soccer enthusiasts,
providing a vibrant
atmosphere to watch
matches while enjoying
great food and drinks.
Harmony Gardens: Combine
the concept of a restaurant
with a community garden by
creating an eatery that
grows its own organic
produce.
Idea 4 Soccuisine: A catering
service that specializes in
providing soccer-themed
menus for sports events,
team celebrations, and
soccer-themed parties
Soccer Skills Academy: A
restaurant concept that
doubles as a soccer training
center.
The Harmony Food Truck:
Launch a food truck that
travels to different locations,
serving a diverse range of
cuisines known for their
harmonious flavor
combinations.
Idea 5 The Soccer Serenade: A
restaurant that hosts live
music performances
featuring soccer-inspired
melodies and harmonies.
Soccer-Fusion Food Truck: A
food truck that combines
the excitement of street food
with the passion for soccer.
Harmony Retreat Cafe:
Create a restaurant and cafe
that focuses on providing a
serene and harmonious
environment for customers.
Idea 6 Team Spirit Cafe: A
restaurant that focuses on
fostering a sense of unity
and harmony among soccer
fans.
Soccer Sports Apparel Café:
A concept that brings
together a soccer-themed
apparel store and a café.
Harmony Catering Co-op:
Form a cooperative catering
company that brings
together chefs and culinary
experts from various cultural
backgrounds.
Idea 7 Soccer Wellness Retreat: A
retreat center that combines
soccer training sessions with
wellness activities such as
meditation, and spa
treatments.
Soccer Fitness Studio &
Restaurant: A hybrid
establishment that combines
a fitness studio with a
restaurant.
Harmony Delights: Start a
gourmet food delivery
service that curates meal kits
with a focus on balanced
and harmonious flavors.
Idea 8 Soccer Harmony App: An
innovative mobile
Soccer Social Club: A
membership-based club that
Harmony Sushi Lounge:
Open a sushi restaurant that

24
application that connects
soccer enthusiasts from
around the world, providing
a platform for fans to discuss
the game, share insights,
and build a global
community.
provides a social space for
soccer lovers to connect,
network, and enjoy exclusive
events.
emphasizes the artistry and
precision of sushi-making
while promoting harmony
through its culinary
offerings.
Idea 9 Harmonious Soccer Gear: A
business that designs and
manufactures soccer apparel
and equipment using
sustainable materials.
Soccer Stadium Food
Innovation: A business that
partners with soccer
stadiums to revolutionize
the food offerings during
matches.
Harmony Wine Bar:
Establish a wine bar that
specializes in pairing fine
wines with harmonious food
selections.
Idea 10 Soccer Harmonizers: A
consulting firm that
specializes in creating
harmonious work
environments within soccer
clubs, focusing on team
dynamics, leadership
development, and conflict
resolution.
Soccer Travel Agency &
Culinary Tours: A travel
agency that specializes in
organizing soccer-centric
trips to popular destinations
around the world, focusing
not only on the matches but
also on the local culinary
experiences.
Harmony Food Subscription:
Create a subscription-based
service that delivers curated
boxes of harmonious food
products to customers'
doorsteps on a regular basis
We repeat this exercise, this time using a product {car} as the fixed concept
(Table 5). The randomly selected concepts are kept the same {soccer, harmony}.
Table 5: Ideas generated by ChatGPT for {car, soccer, harmony}
Concepts {car, soccer, harmony} {car, soccer} {soccer, harmony}
Idea 1 Mobile Soccer Training and
Harmony Center: Create a
mobile facility that
combines soccer training
with a focus on promoting
harmony and teamwork
among participants.
Car-Soccer Training Center:
Establish a specialized
training center that
combines car handling skills
and soccer training.
Carpooling Community App:
Develop a mobile
application that connects
car owners with individuals
looking for a ride.
Idea 2 Harmonious Carpooling
App: Develop a smartphone
application that encourages
carpooling among soccer
enthusiasts and promotes
harmony by connecting
people with similar interests.
Car-Soccer Mobile Game:
Develop an exciting mobile
game that combines the
thrill of car racing with the
strategic elements of soccer.
Harmony-themed Car
Wash: Create a car wash
service that offers a serene
and peaceful environment
for customers while their
cars are being cleaned.
Idea 3 Soccer Harmony Retreat:
Organize a unique retreat
for soccer enthusiasts, where
participants can enjoy the
sport while learning about
team dynamics, conflict
resolution, and building
harmonious relationships.
Car-Soccer Stadium Tours:
Create an experiential tour
company that takes soccer
fans on behind-the-scenes
tours of famous soccer
stadiums worldwide, with
the added twist of exploring
these venues using
customized car tours.
Electric Car Rental for
Events: Offer an electric car
rental service specifically
tailored for special events
such as weddings,
conferences, or corporate
gatherings.

25
Idea 4 Harmonious Sports Car
Dealership: Establish a car
dealership that specializes in
sports cars while promoting
harmony and inclusivity.
Car-Soccer Merchandise
Store: Open a retail store
specializing in merchandise
related to both cars and
soccer.
Harmonizing Car
Accessories: Develop a line
of car accessories that focus
on creating a harmonious
and peaceful driving
experience.
Idea 5 Harmony-Driven Soccer
Gear: Design and produce a
line of soccer equipment
and apparel that emphasizes
the values of harmony and
teamwork.
Car-Soccer Event
Management: Start an event
management company that
organizes unique car-soccer
tournaments and
exhibitions.
Car Meditation Retreats:
Organize unique retreats
that combine the joy of
driving with mindfulness
and meditation practices.
Idea 6 Harmonious Car-Soccer
Events: Organize unique
events that combine car
shows with soccer
tournaments.
Car-Soccer Training
Equipment: Develop and sell
specialized training
equipment designed to
improve soccer skills using
cars.
Harmonious Car
Maintenance Service:
Establish a car maintenance
and repair center that not
only focuses on technical
expertise but also offers a
tranquil environment for
customers.
Idea 7 Car-Soccer Charity
Initiative: Launch a
philanthropic initiative that
combines the love for cars
and soccer to support
harmony-building projects.
Car-Soccer Sports Bar: Open
a sports bar that caters to
car and soccer enthusiasts.
Harmonic Driving School:
Create a driving school that
incorporates mindfulness
and stress reduction
techniques into the learning
process.
Idea 8 Harmony-Infused Car-
Soccer Coaching: Provide
specialized coaching services
for young soccer players that
incorporate principles of
harmony and teamwork.
Car-Soccer Coaching App:
Create a mobile app that
provides coaching and
training resources for
individuals interested in
both car racing and soccer.
Harmonious Roadside
Assistance: Build a roadside
assistance service that goes
beyond the conventional
model by offering support
with a focus on reducing
stress and creating harmony
during emergency
situations.
Idea 9 Soccer-Car Brand
Collaboration: Forge
partnerships between car
manufacturers and soccer
clubs to create co-branded
merchandise and
promotional campaigns.
Car-Soccer Marketing
Agency: Establish a
marketing agency
specializing in promoting
car and soccer-related
brands, events, and
campaigns.
Car Interior Design Studio:
Start a business that
specializes in designing car
interiors inspired by
harmony and tranquility.
Idea 10 Harmony-Enhancing
Carpooling Platform for
Soccer Events: Develop a
dedicated carpooling
platform specifically tailored
for soccer events, such as
tournaments or matches.
Car-Soccer Charity Event:
Organize a charity event
that combines car
exhibitions and soccer
matches to raise funds for a
worthy cause.
Harmony-themed Car
Rental Service: Launch a car
rental company that offers
vehicles designed with
harmony in mind.
We can further explore the concept of quadsociation, wherein four concepts are
combined to generate new ideas. However, it is important to note that the inclusion of
an additional concept in the association process can potentially introduce constraints
that might impact the quality of the generated ideas (Moreau and Dahl 2005; Stokes
2005). In the context of quadsociation, the complexity increases as we attempt to

26
associate four concepts simultaneously. While this approach can potentially yield a
larger number of jump-off points and idea combinations, the challenge lies in
maintaining the coherence and relevance of the ideas generated.
To test the potential of quadsociation in generating novel insights, we
performed a similar exercise. We used the same three terms {car, soccer, harmony}
and added an additional term drawn randomly from our list (Table 6). This activity
was performed thrice and ten ideas were generated each time using the following
prompt to ChatGPT: “Generate 10 compelling business ideas by synergistically
associating the following four concepts: {list of concepts}.” Summaries of the ideas
generated are listed in the table below.
Table 6: Ideas generated by ChatGPT using Quadsociation
Method Quadsociation
Concepts {car, soccer, harmony,
joy}
{car, soccer, harmony,
wilderness}
{car, soccer, harmony,
tranquility}
Idea 1 Soccer-themed Car Rental
Service: Create a car rental
company that offers soccer-
themed vehicles, decorated
with the colors and symbols
of popular soccer teams.
Adventure Sports Travel
Agency: Create a business
that combines the thrill of
wilderness exploration and
the love for soccer by
organizing adventurous
soccer tournaments in
remote, scenic locations.
Serenity Rides: A luxury car
service that offers a peaceful
and harmonious travel
experience, providing a
tranquil environment for
customers to relax during
their journeys.
Idea 2 Harmony-Infused Car Audio
Systems: Develop high-end
car audio systems that are
designed to enhance the joy
of driving.
Electric Off-Road Soccer
Cars: Develop a line of
electric off-road vehicles
specifically designed for
soccer enthusiasts.
Soccer Wellness Retreat: A
unique retreat center that
combines the passion for
soccer with holistic wellness.
Idea 3 Joyful Soccer Training
Camps: Establish soccer
training camps that focus
not only on skill
development but also on
promoting joy and a sense of
camaraderie among the
participants.
Harmony-Based Soccer
Training: Establish a unique
soccer training academy that
focuses on developing
teamwork, communication,
and harmony among
players.
Car-Share Soccer Club: A
community-driven car-
sharing platform focused on
soccer enthusiasts.
Idea 4 Car Sharing Platform for
Soccer Fans: Build a car-
sharing platform specifically
catering to soccer fans,
allowing them to connect
with fellow enthusiasts who
are willing to share rides to
matches or events
Carpool Soccer Community:
Create an online platform
that connects soccer
enthusiasts and facilitates
carpooling to matches and
events.
Tranquil Driving School: A
driving school that
emphasizes the importance
of tranquility and harmony
while learning to drive.
Idea 5 Joyful Soccer-themed
Mobile Game: Develop a
mobile game that combines
the excitement of soccer
with elements of joy and
harmony.
Soccer Wilderness Retreat:
Set up a soccer-themed
wilderness retreat where
players, coaches, and fans
can gather to relax, bond,
and train in a serene natural
environment.
Car-Soccer Tournament: A
unique sporting event that
combines the thrill of soccer
with automotive excitement.

27
Idea 6 Harmony-driven Car Wash
and Detailing Service:
Create a car wash and
detailing service that goes
beyond the regular cleaning
process.
Sustainable Soccer
Stadiums: Introduce
environmentally-friendly
soccer stadiums that
integrate renewable energy
sources, such as solar panels
and wind turbines, to power
the facilities.
Harmony Car Rental: A car
rental service that offers
hybrid or electric vehicles,
promoting environmental
sustainability and harmony
with nature.
Idea 7 Car Accessories for Soccer
Enthusiasts: Design and
manufacture a range of car
accessories specifically
tailored to soccer
enthusiasts.
Car-Soccer Fusion Events:
Organize unique events that
combine the excitement of
car shows with soccer
tournaments.
Soccer-Inspired Car
Accessories: A line of car
accessories inspired by
soccer, designed to bring a
touch of passion for the
sport into the driving
experience.
Idea 8 Joyful Soccer-inspired Team
Building Workshops:
Organize team-building
workshops for businesses
and organizations, using
soccer as a metaphor to
promote collaboration,
harmony, and joy among
team members.
Wilderness Soccer Gear:
Develop a line of soccer
equipment and apparel
inspired by the beauty and
elements of the wilderness.
Tranquil Soccer Training
Academy: A soccer training
academy that adopts a
holistic approach, focusing
not only on technical skills
but also on mental well-
being.
Idea 9 Soccer-inspired Car Wrap
Design Studio: Establish a
design studio that
specializes in creating
custom car wraps inspired
by soccer.
Car-Assisted Soccer
Training: Create a training
program that utilizes car-
assisted drills and exercises
to enhance soccer skills
Car Soccer Simulator: An
immersive virtual reality
(VR) experience that
combines the excitement of
playing soccer with driving a
car.
Idea 10 Harmony-focused Soccer
Apparel Brand: Launch a
soccer apparel brand that
emphasizes the concept of
harmony in its designs and
messaging.
Soccer-themed Car Wrap
and Design: Launch a
business specializing in
soccer-themed car wraps
and designs.
Tranquility Soccer Apparel:
A clothing brand that
specializes in high-quality
soccer apparel with a focus
on comfort and tranquility.
These exercises clearly showcase the effectiveness of trisociation in generating
ideas that surpass those resulting from bisociation alone. The process of synergistically
associating three concepts proves to be a powerful approach for idea generation,
particularly when harnessed alongside the capabilities of generative AI tools. However,
it is worth noting that human ideators may encounter challenges when attempting to
associate three concepts simultaneously.
To overcome this obstacle, we present three approaches in the following
section that aim to enhance the feasibility of trisociation for human ideators. Firstly,
we introduce a procedure in which ideators begin by generating protoideas through
the association of two concepts, before advancing to the development of metaideas
that integrate all three trisociating concepts. Secondly, we outline a method in which
the three concepts are categorized into three states—start, transformation, or goal
(STG)—to provide guidance throughout the idea generation process. Third, we
describe a trisociation method for product design involves selecting guiding concepts
to attribute to either form or function.

28
FROM PROTOIDEA TO METAIDEA
Let us explore different methods of utilizing the trisociation technique,
considering its inherent difficulty in associating three concepts simultaneously. We
will discuss three approaches that involve the generation of protoideas, which are then
transformed into metaideas. In the first approach, we begin by selecting any two
concepts and combining them to form a protoidea. Subsequently, we integrate the
third concept to complete the metaidea. The second approach entails selecting one
concept and establishing separate associations with the remaining two concepts. This
results in the creation of two protoidea, each representing a unique pairing of the
original concept with the other two. These protoconcepts are then merged to obtain
the metaidea. Lastly, the third approach involves generating three distinct protoideas
by associating each concept with the other two individually. This comprehensive
exploration of associations creates a more intricate network of connections. Once the
protoideas are established, they are merged to form the final metaidea, incorporating
the essence of all three concepts. Let's apply the trisociation technique using the
concepts of moon, bicycle, and ocean. We'll explore three different approaches to
generate protoideas and transform them into metaideas.
Approach 1: Combining two concepts and integrating the third (Concept Fusion)
• Select the moon and bicycle as the first two concepts.
• Combine them to form a protoidea: "A bicycle on the moon."
• Integrate the third concept, ocean, to complete the metaidea: "A bicycle on the
moon overlooking the vast ocean."
Approach 2: Establishing separate associations with the remaining concepts (Parallel
Associations)
• Select the moon as the original concept.
• Associate it with the bicycle to create the first protoidea: "Moonlit bicycle
rides."
• Associate the moon with the ocean to generate the second protoidea: "Moon
reflecting on the ocean waves."
• Merge the two protoideas to obtain the metaidea: "Moonlit bicycle rides
reflecting on the ocean waves."
Approach 3: Generating individual associations for each concept (Comprehensive
Triad)
• Associate the moon with the bicycle: "Moon-inspired bicycle design."
• Associate the moon with the ocean: "Moon's gravitational effect on tides."
• Associate the bicycle with the ocean: "Bicycle exploration along the ocean
coast."
• Merge the three protoideas to create the metaidea: "Moon-inspired bicycle
design for exploring the ocean coast, considering the Moon's gravitational
effect on tides."
By employing these different approaches, we have developed three metaideas that
incorporate the essence of all three concepts (moon, bicycle, and ocean) through

29
various associations. These techniques allow us to explore the connections between
the concepts and stimulate creative thinking. The same approach can be employed to
generate business ideas. As before, we can use the three different approaches to
create protoideas and transform them into a metaidea.
Approach 1: Combining two concepts and integrating the third
• Select the moon and bicycle as the first two concepts.
• Combine them to form a protoidea: "Lunar Cycling Tours."
• Integrate the third concept, ocean, to complete the metaidea: "Lunar Cycling
Tours that explore coastal routes and offer breathtaking views of the ocean."
Approach 2: Establishing separate associations with the remaining concepts
• Select the moon as the original concept.
• Associate it with the bicycle to create the first protoidea: "Moonlight Bicycle
Rentals for nighttime rides."
• Associate the moon with the ocean to generate the second protoidea: "Moonlit
Ocean Cruises for stargazing and relaxation."
• Merge the two protoideas to obtain the metaidea: "Moonlight Adventures:
Offering bicycle rentals for nighttime rides and organizing ocean cruises for
stargazing and relaxation."
Approach 3: Generating individual associations for each concept
• Associate the moon with the bicycle: "Lunar Cycle, an eco-friendly bicycle
sharing service with lunar-themed branding."
• Associate the moon with the ocean: "Tidal Motion, a surf-inspired bicycle
brand with moon-inspired designs."
• Associate the bicycle with the ocean: "Coastal Bike Tours, offering guided
bicycle tours along scenic ocean routes."
• Merge the three protoideas to create the metaidea: "Celestial Wheels: Providing
eco-friendly bicycle sharing with lunar-themed branding, surf-inspired bicycle
designs, and guided coastal bike tours for an unforgettable oceanic experience."
The advantages and limitations of the three approaches are listed in Table 7.
Table 7: Comparison of Metaidea Generation Approaches
Evaluation Pros Cons
Approach 1:
Concept Fusion
- Combining two
concepts and
integrating the
third
• Simplicity: This approach offers a
straightforward method by
combining two concepts first and
then integrating the third, making it
easier to follow.
• Focus on integration: By integrating
the third concept, it ensures that all
three concepts are directly
connected in the final metaidea.
• Limited exploration: Since the
first step involves combining only
two concepts, it may result in a
narrower range of associations
and potential ideas.
• Imbalance in emphasis:
Depending on the order of
combination, one concept might
receive more emphasis than the
others, potentially overshadowing
their contributions.

30
Approach 2:
Parallel
Associations -
Establishing
separate
associations
with the
remaining
concepts
Pros:
• Diverse pairings: This approach
creates two protoideas, each
representing a unique pairing of the
original concept with the other two,
fostering a broader exploration of
associations.
• Equal emphasis: By establishing
separate associations, all three
concepts receive equal attention and
are considered independently.
• Potential disjointedness: The two
protoideas may not naturally
merge into a cohesive metaidea,
resulting in a final concept that
feels disconnected or fragmented.
• Overlapping associations: There
is a possibility of overlapping
associations between the
protoideas, which may limit the
overall novelty or distinctiveness
of the metaidea.
Approach 3:
Comprehensive
Triad -
Generating
individual
associations for
each concept
• Comprehensive exploration: This
approach generates three distinct
protoideas by associating each
concept with the other two
individually, resulting in a more
intricate network of connections and
a wider range of potential ideas.
• Balanced consideration: Each
concept receives dedicated attention
and is explored in relation to the
other two, ensuring a well-rounded
perspective.
• Complexity: The generation of
three separate protoideas can be
more challenging and time-
consuming, requiring deeper
analysis and creative thinking.
• Integration challenges: Merging
the three protoideas into a
cohesive metaidea may pose
difficulties due to the potentially
diverse nature of the individual
associations.
Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. Approach 1 is simple
and ensures direct integration of all three concepts but may limit exploration.
Approach 2 offers diverse pairings and equal emphasis on concepts but may result in
disjointedness or overlapping associations. Approach 3 provides comprehensive
exploration and balanced consideration but can be more complex and challenging to
integrate. The choice of approach depends on the desired level of complexity,
exploration, and the specific creative goals of the trisociation exercise.
THE STG MODEL
In general, problem-solving tasks, such as open idea challenges, can be
described using three fundamental elements: a start state, a goal state, and a
transformation function (Reitman, 1964; Goel & Pirolli, 2002). This framework can be
referred to as the Start-Transformation-Goal (STG) model. Utilizing the STG model
can simplify and enhance the use of the trisociation method for human ideators.To
illustrate this, let's consider an example where a human ideator is provided with three
initial concepts at the start. Instead of directly generating an idea, the ideator is
prompted to assign each of the three concepts to one of the three STG states. This
approach facilitates the application of trisociation in a more structured and effective
manner.
For instance, let's take the three concepts: moonlight, bicycle, and cloud. To
apply the STG model, the ideator is encouraged to consider how a goal (G) inspired by
a start (S) can adapt principles from a transformation (T). In this specific scenario, the
question becomes: How can a bicycle inspired by clouds adapt principles from
moonlight? By framing the trisociation process within the STG model, the ideator is
guided to explore the relationships and connections between the concepts in a
systematic manner. The goal state (G) represents the desired outcome or the idea to

31
be generated, the start state (S) comprises the initial concepts, and the transformation
(T) signifies the concept or domain from which principles or attributes can be
borrowed or adapted. In the given example, the ideator is prompted to consider how
the concept of moonlight can be applied to inspire the transformation of a bicycle,
with clouds serving as a reference point. This approach encourages the ideator to
think creatively and explore novel ideas that merge the qualities of moonlight, clouds,
and bicycles.
One potential way to utilize the STG model is by employing a user insight or
problem as an initial state. Among the three trisociating concepts, one is employed to
prompt the insight, another is designated as the target system, and the third
trisociating concept is employed to establish a connection between the user insight
and the systeme can apply the STG model using these concepts {tree, music, map}. For
this example, the user insight or problem serves as the initial state. Let's say the user
insight is about finding a way to incorporate the beauty and serenity of trees into the
experience of listening to music.
• Concept A (Tree) prompts the insight: The user acknowledges the calming and
soothing qualities of trees and wishes to bring a similar ambiance to the music
listening experience.
• Concept B (Music) is identified as the target system: The user aims to explore
how music can be enhanced or modified to evoke the same sense of tranquility
and connection with nature that one feels in the presence of trees.
• Concept C (Map) is employed to establish a connection: The user considers the
geographical aspects represented in maps, such as the location of different tree
species, and how this information can be used to curate music playlists or
create ambient soundscapes that reflect the natural environment of specific
tree species.
FORM AND FUNCTION IN PRODUCT DESIGN
A product's design encompasses both form and function, which are
interconnected yet distinct characteristics. When utilizing trisociation, the guiding
concepts can be attributed to either form or function. For instance, in the first
approach, the form of the product may be derived from the association of two
concepts, which is then harmonized with a third concept that defines the function. To
illustrate, let's consider a set of three concepts: {A, B, C}. By associating concept A and
concept B, a new idea for the form of the product can be generated. Subsequently, this
idea is coupled with concept C, which defines the function of the product. In contrast,
the second approach assigns concept A to dictate the form of the product, while the
function is separately determined by associating concepts B and C. In this case, the
form represented by A is connected with the function represented by the association
of B and C. Let's consider the concepts A = "moon," B = "ocean," and C = "bicycle." We
will explore how these concepts can be used to generate ideas for a product's design.
First Approach:
• In this approach, we will associate concept A (moon) and concept B (ocean) to
generate an idea for the form of the product. We can imagine a sleek and round

32
design inspired by the moon's shape and the smoothness of ocean waves. This
form represents a visually appealing and elegant product.
• Next, we will couple this idea with concept C (bicycle), which defines the
function of the product. Taking inspiration from the moon's association with
space exploration and the ocean's connection to water activities, we can
incorporate these functionalities into the product.
• Therefore, the final design could be a futuristic bicycle with a sleek, rounded
frame resembling the moon's shape, and features that enable it to move
efficiently on land and in water.
Second Approach:
• In this approach, we assign concept A (moon) to dictate the form of the
product. Considering the moon's spherical shape and its association with
celestial objects, we envision a product with a spherical design, resembling the
moon itself.
• The function of the product will be separately determined by associating
concepts B (ocean) and C (bicycle). Drawing inspiration from the ocean's
vastness and its connection to recreational activities, we can focus on creating a
product suitable for aquatic adventures. By combining the concept of the ocean
and a bicycle, we can imagine a water bicycle, which allows individuals to
explore water bodies while pedaling. Therefore, in this second approach, the
product's form represented by concept A (moon) is connected with the
function represented by the association of concepts B (ocean) and C (bicycle).
• The result is a spherical water bicycle, combining the unique form of the moon
with the functionality of a bicycle designed for aquatic exploration.
Another option is to assign the trisociating concepts randomly to form, function, and
features. The following prompt can be used for this purpose:
You will assume the role of an ideator. Your task is to ask me for a set of three concepts,
namely {A, B, C}. Using these concepts, you will generate six novel and intriguing
product ideas by associating the concepts in the following ways:
• A will inspire the form, B will inspire the function, and C will inspire the features.
• A will inspire the form, C will inspire the function, and B will inspire the features.
• B will inspire the form, C will inspire the function, and A will inspire the features.
• B will inspire the form, A will inspire the function, and C will inspire the features.
• C will inspire the form, A will inspire the function, and B will inspire the features.
• C will inspire the form, B will inspire the function, and A will inspire the features.
When {shark, bicycle, moon} was given as inputs following the above prompt, the
following ideas were generated by ChatGPT:
• Shark-inspired Form, Bicycle-inspired Function, Moon-inspired Features:
o Idea: "Lunar Cycling Adventure"
o Description: Design and manufacture high-performance bicycles with a
streamlined shark-inspired design. These bicycles are specifically built

33
for thrilling and adventurous rides under moonlit nights. They
incorporate features such as glow-in-the-dark frames, lunar navigation
systems, and customizable LED lighting, creating a unique cycling
experience.
• Shark-inspired Form, Moon-inspired Function, Bicycle-inspired Features:
o Idea: "AstroSurf: Shark-Boarding"
o Description: Introduce a new water sport combining elements of surfing
and skateboarding. Develop specially designed surfboards with a shark-
inspired shape for enhanced stability and maneuverability. Incorporate
moon-inspired technology, such as magnetic levitation systems, to
simulate the feeling of gliding on the moon's surface. Additionally, add
bicycle-inspired features like adjustable foot straps and integrated GPS
tracking for surfers to improve their performance.
• Bicycle-inspired Form, Moon-inspired Function, Shark-inspired Features:
o Idea: "Lunar Exploration Submersible"
o Description: Develop a futuristic submersible vehicle with a sleek and
lightweight bicycle-inspired structure. This vehicle is designed for deep-
sea exploration, taking inspiration from the moon's mysteries.
Incorporate shark-inspired features, such as hydrodynamic fins and
advanced sonar systems, to enhance maneuverability and underwater
navigation. It can be used for scientific research, underwater
expeditions, or even recreational purposes.
• Bicycle-inspired Form, Shark-inspired Function, Moon-inspired Features:
o Idea: "Lunar Courier Service"
o Description: Establish a unique delivery service using bicycle-inspired
drones with a streamlined design resembling sharks. These drones can
efficiently navigate urban environments, delivering packages and
documents quickly and safely. Incorporate moon-inspired features like
advanced mapping algorithms and autonomous navigation systems to
optimize delivery routes and ensure efficient operations even during
nighttime.
• Moon-inspired Form, Shark-inspired Function, Bicycle-inspired Features:
o Idea: "LunarGuard: Innovative Security System"
o Description: Develop a cutting-edge home security system that
combines the elegant design of the moon with the predatory instincts of
a shark. Create a sleek and futuristic security device with a spherical
shape reminiscent of the moon. Incorporate shark-inspired
functionalities like motion sensing, facial recognition, and advanced
surveillance capabilities. Integrate bicycle-inspired features such as
remote monitoring via a mobile app and easy installation options for
enhanced user convenience.
• Moon-inspired Form, Bicycle-inspired Function, Shark-inspired Features:
o Idea: "SharkRide: Lunar Fitness Training"
o Description: Launch a novel fitness concept combining the beauty of the
moon with the health benefits of cycling. Create a state-of-the-art indoor
cycling studio with an immersive environment resembling the lunar
landscape. Incorporate bicycle-inspired functionality, such as adjustable

34
resistance levels and real-time performance tracking. Enhance the
experience with shark-inspired features like underwater-themed lighting
effects and surround sound to transport participants into a unique
fitness journey.
BIOINSPIRED CONCEPTS
Another area where trisociation finds application is in incorporating concepts related
to nature or living systems as integral components of the trisociating concepts.
Bioinspiration, for example, can serve as a valuable source of inspiration for designing
both form and function. To facilitate this process, it is often helpful to begin by
creating a list of living organisms, similar to the example provided below.
Albatross, Angelfish, Ant, Baboon, Barnacle, Bass, Bat, Bear, Beaver, Bee, Beetle,
Butterfly, Caribou, Cassowary, Cat, Centipede, Cheetah, Chicken, Chimpanzee,
Chipmunk, Clam, Clownfish, Cod, Condor, Coral, Cormorant, Coyote, Crab, Crane,
Cricket, Crocodile, Crow, Deer, Dog, Dolphin, Dragonfly, Duck, Eagle, Earthworm,
Elephant, Emu, Fish, Flamingo, Flea, Fly, Fox, Frog, Giraffe, Goose, Gorilla, Grasshopper,
Hamster, Hawk, Hedgehog, Heron, Hippopotamus, Hornet, Hummingbird, Hyena,
Jaguar, Jellyfish, Kangaroo, Kingfisher, Kiwi, Koala, Ladybug, Lemur, Leopard, Lion,
Lizard, Lobster, Louse, Magpie, Manatee, Millipede, Mole, Monkey, Moose, Mosquito,
Moth, Mouse, Mussel, Octopus, Octopus., Orca, Osprey, Ostrich, Otter, Owl, Parrot,
Oyster, Panda, Peacock, Pelican, Penguin, Pheasant, Pigeon, Platypus, Puffin, Quail,
Rabbit, Raccoon, Rat, Ray, Reindeer, Rhino, Rhinoceros, Salamander, Salmon, Scallop,
Scorpion, Seahorse, Seal, Shark, Shrimp, Skunk, Sloth, Slug, Snail, Snake, SnowyOwl,
Sparrow, Spider, Sponge, Squid, Squirrel, Starfish, Stork, Swan, Tick, Tiger, Tortoise,
Toucan, Trout, Tuna, Turkey, Turtle, Vulture, Walrus, Weaverbird, Whale, Wolf,
Wombat, Worm, Wren, Zebra
These concepts can then be incorporated as one of the trisociating concepts. For
instance, let's consider a scenario where we have a given concept such as 'car,'
'restaurant,' or 'university.' We can then choose a forcing concept from a list of general
concepts and another forcing concept from the aforementioned list of living
organisms concepts.
To illustrate this approach, let’s choose ‘restaurant’ as our focal concept. Next
we pick one forcing concept each from our list of general concepts and from our list of
living organisms. In this particular case, the trisociating concepts we obtain are
{restaurant, train, owl}. The following ideas among others others were obtained when
when prompted for an innovative ideas that trisociated the three concepts:
1. Whoo's Dining Express: This restaurant concept combines the charm of a
vintage train with the elegance of an owl-themed dining experience. The
restaurant could be designed as a luxurious dining car on a stationary train,
with owl-inspired decor and ambiance. Guests can enjoy a gourmet meal while
surrounded by cozy train-inspired seating and subtle owl-themed elements.
The waitstaff could be dressed in train conductor uniforms, adding to the
immersive experience.

35
2. Hoot & Chew Junction: This restaurant concept blends the nocturnal nature of
owls with the idea of a train station eatery. The restaurant could feature a
whimsical owl-themed decor, with cozy seating areas reminiscent of a train
station waiting area. The menu could offer a variety of comfort foods and
delicious snacks, catering to both locals and travelers passing through. The
restaurant could also host live acoustic music or poetry nights to create a
vibrant and relaxed atmosphere.
3. Feathers & Fare: This concept combines the elegance of owls with the romance
of a dining car on a train. The restaurant could be designed to resemble a
luxurious vintage train carriage, adorned with feathers and owl-inspired
artwork. The menu could offer a fusion of international cuisines, representing
various culinary destinations along a hypothetical train journey. Guests could
enjoy fine dining while immersing themselves in the ambiance of a bygone era.
We can also employ an approach that utilizes two concepts from the bioinspiration
list as forcing mechanisms. For example, we could bisociate two of the living
orgnanisms to create a chimeric creature with complementary characterisitics. Later,
we can use the characteristics of the chimera to inspire a product or business concept.
The following prompts were used for the first step: select any two organisms from the
list and combine them to make a chimeric creature with complementary attributes:
[list of organisms]
ChatGPT chose the elephant and albatross to be bisociated, resulting in a chimera
creature named the Elebatross. The following characteristics of the Elebatross were
identified:
• Wingspan and Flight: The Elebatross will have the impressive wingspan of an
Albatross, enabling it to soar through the skies with grace and efficiency. It will
possess strong, aerodynamic wings that allow it to cover great distances
effortlessly.
• Intelligence and Memory: The Elebatross will inherit the high level of
intelligence and exceptional memory of an Elephant. It will be capable of
complex problem-solving and exhibit a remarkable capacity for learning and
retaining information.
• Adaptability: The Elebatross will possess the ability to adapt to various
environments, similar to both the Albatross and the Elephant. It will be able to
thrive in diverse habitats, including both terrestrial and marine environments.
• Social Structure: The Elebatross will exhibit a sophisticated social structure,
influenced by the Elephant's social nature. It will form strong bonds with its
family members and display a cooperative and protective behavior towards its
group.
• Longevity: The Elebatross will benefit from the longevity of the Elephant,
having a longer lifespan compared to most other creatures. It will be able to live
for several decades, allowing for increased opportunities for growth, learning,
and reproduction.
The concept of the Elebatross became associated with the idea of designing a car
representing the trisociation {elephant, albatross, car} after being prompted with the

36
question: "Describe how a car might be designed based on principles inspired by the
Elebatross." The resulting description of the Elebatross car is as follows:
1. Aerodynamic Efficiency: Taking inspiration from the Elebatross's wingspan, the
car's design would prioritize aerodynamic efficiency. It would feature a sleek
and streamlined body shape to minimize air resistance, resulting in improved
fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
2. Hybrid or Electric Powertrain: Emphasizing the Elebatross's adaptability, the
car would incorporate a hybrid or electric powertrain. This choice would
enhance energy efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with
sustainable principles. The car would offer multiple driving modes to adapt to
various conditions, including all-electric mode for short distances and hybrid
mode for longer journeys.
3. Intelligent Systems: Drawing from the Elebatross's intelligence, the car would
be equipped with advanced intelligent systems. These systems would include
artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for autonomous driving capabilities,
enabling the car to navigate safely and efficiently on its own. The AI would
learn from its surroundings, making the car progressively smarter and more
responsive over time.
4. Connectivity and Communication: Inspired by the Elebatross's social structure,
the car would incorporate connectivity and communication features. It would
be equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)
communication technology, allowing it to share information with other
vehicles and traffic systems. This communication would enable enhanced
safety, traffic management, and collaborative driving.
5. Longevity and Sustainable Materials: Similar to the Elebatross's long lifespan,
the car would be designed for durability and longevity. Sustainable materials,
such as recycled or eco-friendly components, would be used in its construction,
reducing the environmental impact. Additionally, the car's modular design
would facilitate easy repair, maintenance, and upgrades, extending its lifespan
further.
6. Community-Centric Features: Inspired by the Elebatross's social behavior, the
car would incorporate community-centric features. It could include ride-
sharing capabilities, allowing individuals to join shared journeys, reducing
traffic congestion, and promoting a sense of community. The interior design
might offer flexible seating arrangements to accommodate both individual and
group travel needs.
7. Regenerative Energy Systems: Taking cues from the Elebatross's ability to adapt
to different environments, the car could incorporate regenerative energy
systems. It might harness energy from sources like solar panels on the car's roof
or through regenerative braking technology, converting wasted energy into
usable power. This approach would enhance the car's efficiency and reduce its
environmental impact.
Similarly, trisociation of the concepts {humming bird, cheetah, car} generated a
description of a HummingCheetah Car with the following description for use with a
text-to-image model such as midjourney or Stable Diffusion:

37
The HummingCheetah Car is a silver masterpiece, blending the grace of a hummingbird
with the speed of a cheetah. Its sleek, aerodynamic body features angular LED
headlights, a sculpted spoiler, and wheels designed like cheetah spots. The luxurious
interior boasts leather seats with hummingbird feather-like stitching, a high-tech
interface, and ambient lighting. The car's electric motor hums to life, seamlessly
transitioning to the combustion engine for exhilarating acceleration. With its
captivating design and high-performance capabilities, the HummingCheetah Car is a
stunning fusion of nature and technology, redefining automotive artistry in a sleek,
powerful, and elegant package.
Next, we can identify imaginary chimeric organisms by combining two organisms
from the list. For instance, Phantafly is a fusion of an Elephant and a Butterfly, while
Torscion combines characteristics of a Tortoise and a Scorpion. These chimeric
organisms can be visualized using text-to-image models such as Midjourney or Stable
Diffusion. Their visual features and blended characteristics can be used to inspired the
design of products. We provided ChatGPT with a list of living organisms and then
provided the following prompt: “Next, identify imaginary chimeric organisms by
associating two organisms from the list. Provide a name for this chimeric organism
and identify novel characteristics that combine or integrate complementary traits
from the original organisms.” Here is a list generated by ChatGPT.
1. Albafish: The Albafish would have the graceful wings of an albatross and the
vibrant colors and streamlined body of an angelfish. It would be capable of
soaring through the air with ease and swimming swiftly through the water,
making it an exceptional aerial and aquatic creature.
2. Antoon: The Antoon would possess the strong, nimble legs of an ant and the
intelligence and dexterity of a baboon. It would be capable of leaping great
distances and navigating complex environments, utilizing its problem-solving
skills to find food and avoid predators.
3. Barnaduck: The Barnaduck would have the ability to attach itself to various
surfaces, similar to a barnacle, while also retaining the ability to swim and fly
like a duck. It would be able to switch between a sessile lifestyle and agile
movement in the water or air.
4. Bassbat: The Bassbat would possess the echolocation abilities and nocturnal
nature of a bat, combined with the sleek body and swimming skills of a bass. It
would excel at hunting underwater, using echolocation to navigate and locate
prey, making it a formidable predator.
5. Bearver: The Bearver would have the strength and ferocity of a bear, coupled
with the industrious nature and exceptional dam-building skills of a beaver. It
would construct elaborate dens and dams while also being a formidable
predator in its environment.
6. Beeetle: The Beeetle would possess the pollination abilities of a bee, combined
with the robust exoskeleton and defensive capabilities of a beetle. It would be
an efficient pollinator while also having a tough exterior for protection against
predators.

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7. Butterbear: This chimeric organism combines the characteristics of a butterfly
and a bear. It has the body of a bear but with large, colorful butterfly wings.
The Butterbear is capable of both terrestrial and aerial locomotion. It can fly
gracefully like a butterfly, allowing it to access high places and escape from
predators, while still retaining the strength and physical attributes of a bear.
8. Butterlion - A combination of a Butterfly and a Lion. This chimeric organism
would have the graceful wings of a butterfly and the majestic appearance of a
lion. It would be a large, winged creature with colorful patterns on its wings.
The Butterlion would possess both the ability to fly and the strength and regal
presence of a lion.
9. Dolphinoceros - The Dolphinoceros merges the characteristics of a dolphin and
a rhinoceros. It has the streamlined body and dorsal fin of a dolphin, along with
the powerful horn and robust build of a rhinoceros. This chimeric organism is
an excellent swimmer and possesses immense strength. It uses its horn for
defense and is capable of navigating both oceanic and terrestrial environments.
10. Dolphshark - A combination of a Dolphin and a Shark. This chimeric organism
would have the streamlined body of a dolphin and the powerful jaws and teeth
of a shark. It would possess the speed, agility, and intelligence of a dolphin,
combined with the hunting prowess and adaptability of a shark.
11. Dragoonfly - A combination of a Dragonfly and a Kangaroo. This chimeric
organism would have the wings and long, slender body of a dragonfly, along
with the hind legs and jumping ability of a kangaroo. It would be able to fly
swiftly through the air and cover long distances by hopping like a kangaroo.
12. Elephanteagle: This chimeric organism merges the characteristics of an
elephant and an eagle. It has the body of an elephant but with large wings and
sharp talons. The Elephanteagle can soar through the skies with ease, utilizing
its powerful wingspan, while also retaining the immense strength and size of an
elephant. It can carry heavy loads and use its talons to catch prey or defend
itself.
13. Elephlamingo - A combination of an Elephant and a Flamingo. This chimeric
organism would have the body of an elephant but with long, slender legs like a
flamingo. It would have the elegant, curved neck of a flamingo and the ability
to stand on one leg. The Elephlamingo would possess the strength and
intelligence of an elephant along with the grace and beauty of a flamingo.
14. Lionfly: The Lionfly combines the traits of a lion and a dragonfly. It has the
body of a lion but with colorful dragonfly wings. The Lionfly retains the agility
and aerial capabilities of a dragonfly, allowing it to fly swiftly and perform
acrobatic maneuvers in the air. Additionally, it possesses the strength and
predatory instincts of a lion, making it a formidable aerial hunter.
15. Sharktopus: This chimeric organism merges the features of a shark and an
octopus. The Sharktopus has the body of an octopus with multiple flexible
tentacles but possesses the sharp teeth, streamlined body, and powerful
swimming capabilities of a shark. It can swiftly maneuver through the water,
using its tentacles to grasp and immobilize prey before delivering a lethal bite.
16. Spiderbear - The Spiderbear combines the attributes of a spider and a bear. It
has the body of a bear with eight powerful legs like those of a spider, allowing it
to climb and move with great agility. The Spiderbear also spins silk threads,

39
enabling it to construct intricate webs for hunting and creating shelters. This
chimeric organism is a formidable predator on the ground and in the trees.
17. Tigurtle - A combination of a Tiger and a Turtle. This chimeric organism would
have the body and markings of a tiger, but with a protective shell like a turtle. It
would possess the strength, agility, and predatory instincts of a tiger, along
with the ability to retreat into its shell for protection.
18. Turtowl: The Turtowl combines the traits of a turtle and an owl. It has the body
of a turtle but with wings and feathers like an owl. The Turtowl can swim
gracefully in water and fly silently through the air. It possesses the sharp vision
and nocturnal hunting abilities of an owl, making it a skilled predator both in
the water and on land.
CREATIVE LEARNING
Trisociation can be a valuable tool in fostering creative learning by facilitating
connections between concepts. It not only aids in enhancing understanding of the
topic through stretching the bounds of imagination but also enhances memorability
and mnemonic value by fostering remote associations with the information.
For example, when studying historical events, trisociation can help deepen
understanding and facilitate critical thinking. For instance, let's consider analyzing the
causes of a particular war. By examining three factors that may seem unrelated, such
as economic instability, political alliances, and cultural tensions, historians can
explore how these seemingly disparate elements interacted and contributed to the
outbreak of the conflict. Trisociation allows students of history to go beyond surface-
level analysis and consider multiple dimensions, leading to a more comprehensive
understanding of complex historical phenomena.
When learning a new language, trisociation can aid in vocabulary acquisition
and comprehension. For instance, students can associate new words with three related
concepts, such as synonyms, antonyms, and collocations. This approach expands their
linguistic knowledge and helps establish meaningful connections, making it easier to
remember and use the vocabulary in context. Trisociation can be used in the analysis
of a literary work by considering three different lenses. For instance, when analyzing a
novel, students can explore the themes, character development, and narrative
structure. By examining these three elements together, they can gain a more
comprehensive understanding of the author's message, the motivations of the
characters, and the impact of the storytelling techniques.
In mathematics, Trisociation can be applied to problem-solving. For example,
when tackling a complex mathematical equation, students can break it down into
three components: identifying the variables, applying relevant formulas or theorems,
and interpreting the solution in a real-world context. This approach helps students
approach mathematical problems from multiple angles, enhancing their problem-
solving skills and overall comprehension of the subject.
TRISOCIATION MAPS
Trisociation maps, or T-Maps, are a way of condensing complex information into
a structured framework by breaking down informations successively into units of

40
three concepts. In the context of the article from Britannica.com25 on the September 11
attacks, T-Maps can be used to summarize and represent the information by breaking
it down into units of three concepts.
Condense the following article into three one-word noun concepts: "September 11
attacks, also called 9/11 attacks, series of airline hijackings and suicide attacks
committed in 2001 by 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-
Qaeda against targets in the United States, the deadliest terrorist attacks on American
soil in U.S. history. The attacks against New York City and Washington, D.C., caused
extensive death and destruction and triggered an enormous U.S. effort to combat
terrorism. Some 2,750 people were killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in
Pennsylvania (where one of the hijacked planes crashed after the passengers
attempted to retake the plane); all 19 terrorists died (see Researcher’s Note: September
11 attacks). Police and fire departments in New York were especially hard-hit:
hundreds had rushed to the scene of the attacks, and more than 400 police officers
and firefighters were killed."
• Prompt: identify three 1 word concepts that associate the concept 'Terrorism' to
the following article: [article]
• Response: Terrorist attacks, Airline hijackings, Suicide attack
The T-Map below represents the above information by breaking down the
knowledge structure into units of three concepts each.
• September 11 attacks
o Terrorism
▪ Terrorist attacks
• 9/11
• Al-Qaeda militants
• Suicide bombings
▪ Airline hijackings
▪ Suicide attacks
o Hijackings
o Destruction
Each section of the T-Map consists of three related concepts that help capture
the key elements of the article. For example, in the T-Map representing the September
11 attacks, the concepts "Terrorism," "Hijackings," and "Destruction" are associated
with that event. Under the concept of "Terrorism," the related concepts are "Terrorist
attacks," "Airline hijacking," and "Suicide attacks." This further breaks down the
concept of ‘Terrorist attacks’ into more specific aspects such as 9/11 attacks, Al Qaeda
miltants, and suicide bombings.
25
Peter Bergen, “September 11 Attacks,” in Encyclopædia Britannica (Britannica, November 15, 2018),
https://www.britannica.com/event/September-11-attacks.

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ICOSAHEDRAL DICE EXERCISES
In this activity, we utilize Papanek's implementation of icosahedral dice in
trisociation.26 (Papanek 1984). Initially, we divide a set of 400 concepts into 20 subsets,
each containing 20 concepts. The dice is rolled six times in total. The first roll
determines the subset, while the second roll determines the specific element within
that subset of 20. This process is repeated three times to determine all three forcing
concepts. The total number of unique combinations possible is calculated as C(400,3)
= 10,586,800.
To better illustrate this process, let's consider a practical example. Suppose we
have a collection of 400 words representing various animals, plants, and objects. We
divide these concepts into 20 subsets, each containing 20 words. Now, we proceed to
roll the icosahedral dice six times. For the first roll, let's say we obtain the number 5.
This means we will be working with the fifth subset of concepts. Within this subset,
we perform the second roll and get the number 12. Hence, the second roll determines
that we will be focusing on the twelfth word within the fifth subset. We repeat this
process two more times to determine the remaining forcing concepts. Let's assume
that the subsequent rolls yield the numbers 17 and 3, respectively. Thus, the third roll
directs us to the seventeenth concept within the fifth subset, while the fourth roll
guides us to the third concept within the tenth subset. Finally, the fifth and sixth rolls
provide us with the numbers 2 and 19, leading us to the second concept within the
fourth subset and the nineteenth concept within the twentieth subset, respectively. By
combining these three forcing concepts, we obtain a unique combination of concepts,
such as "elephant," "tulip," and "telescope." Through the process of trisociation, we
generate a vast number of distinct combinations, allowing for a rich exploration of
concepts and associations. In this case, the total number of unique combinations
possible is determined to be 10,586,800, utilizing the formula C(400, 3). Here are some
potential categories of concepts:
1. Arts and Culture: Music, Literature, Painting, Sculpture, Dance, Theater, Film,
Photography, Poetry, Architecture, Fashion, Design, Pottery, Performing Arts, Art
History, Calligraphy, Graphic Design, Illustration, Ceramics, Ballet
2. Nature and Environment: Tree, River, Mountain, Forest, Climate Change, Wildlife,
Ocean, Rainforest, Desert, Ecosystem, Conservation, Biodiversity, Natural
Resources, National Parks, Environmental Pollution, Sustainability, Renewable
Energy, Weather, Geology, Botan
3. Technology and Communication: Smartphone, Laptop, Camera, Email, Phone Call,
Internet, Social Media, Video Conferencing, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality,
Augmented Reality, Blockchain, Wireless Technology, Data Encryption, Cloud
Computing, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Automation, Robotics, Internet
of Things
4. People and Relationships: Occupations, Celebrities, Family, Friendship, Marriage,
Love, Human Rights, Social Interaction, Community, Identity, Diversity, Equality,
Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Personal Development, Social Issues,
Mentorship, Empathy, Teamwork
5. Science and Mathematics: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Addition, Subtraction,
Experiment, Scientific Method, Genetics, Quantum Mechanics, Calculus, Statistics,
26
Papanek, Design for the Real World, 181.

42
Astronomy, Microbiology, Geology, Nanotechnology, Data Analysis, Hypothesis,
Theory, Mathematics Education.
6. Places and Travel: Countries, Cities, Architecture, Holidays, Geography,
Landmarks, Tourist Attractions, Monuments, Cultural Heritage, Urban Planning,
Transportation Systems, Hospitality Industry, Adventure Travel, Sustainable
Tourism, Geographical Features, Maps, Tourism Marketing, Historical Sites,
Destination Management, Travel Agenc
7. Emotions and Psychology: Happiness, Anger, Love, Ethics, Logic, Empathy,
Anxiety, Mindfulness, Cognitive Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Motivation,
Personality, Perception, Psychopathology, Developmental Psychology, Behavioral
Therapy, Positive Psychology, Self-awareness, Stress Managemen
8. Sports and Recreation: Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Swimming, Exercise, Athletics,
Gymnastics, Cycling, Team Sports, Sportsmanship, Sports Training, Health and
Fitness, Competitive Spirit, Sports Psychology, Sports Nutrition, Outdoor
Recreation, Sports Equipment, Sports Injuries, Sports Broadcasting
9. History and Mythology: World War II, Renaissance, Zeus, Ancient Egypt, Ancient
Greece, Medieval Period, American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Civil Rights
Movement, Cold War, European History, Mythical Creatures, Folklore, Legends,
Mythical Gods and Goddesses, Historical Figures, Archaeology, Historiography,
Oral Tradition
10. Health and Medicine: Doctor, Hospital, Medicine, Health, Exercise, Nutrition,
Disease Prevention, Mental Health, Public Health, Medical Research, Healthcare
Systems, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medical Ethics, Alternative
Medicine, Health Education, Patient Care, Medical Technology
11. Animals and Plants: Dog, Cat, Flower, Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Tiger, Dolphin,
Butterfly, Bird, Endangered Species, Animal Behavior, Zoology, Botany, Plant
Adaptations, Wildlife Conservation, Ecology, Pet Care, Plant Reproduction, Animal
Right
12. Education and Learning: Teacher, Student, Textbook, School, Language, Literacy,
Curriculum, Educational Technology, Online Learning, Pedagogy, Classroom
Management, Special Education, Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, Education
Policy, Educational Psychology, Learning Styles, Assessment Methods, Educational
Leadership
13. Celestial Objects and Weather: Sun, Moon, Rain, Snow, Storm, Stars, Planets,
Meteorology, Climate, Astronomy, Eclipse, Aurora Borealis, Celestial Navigation,
Space Exploration, Weather Forecasting, Atmospheric Phenomena, Seasons, Tides,
Meteor Showe
14. Fashion and Style: Clothing, Fashion, Dress, Hat, Style, Accessories, Runway
Fashion, Fashion Designers, Fashion Trends, Fashion Retail, Fashion Marketing,
Textile Design, Fashion Photography, Sustainable Fashion, Street Style, Fashion
Blogging, Makeup, Hairstyling, Fashion History
15. Food and Beverages: Pizza, Coffee, Salad, Hamburger, Cooking, Cuisine, Baking,
Culinary Arts, Gastronomy, Food Culture, Farming, Organic Food, Food Safety,
Nutrition, Food Packaging, Food Industry, Food Waste, Wine, Tea, Chocolate
16. Transportation and Travel: Car, Airplane, Train, Scooter, Bus, Ships, Space Travel,
Road Trip, Public Transportation, Logistics, Urban Mobility, Automotive Industry,

43
Aviation, Railway Systems, Maritime Transportation, Electric Vehicles, Ride-
Sharing, Sustainable Transport, Travel Plannin
17. Government and Politics: President, Democracy, Law, Constitution, Elections,
Political Systems, Public Policy, International Relations, Political Ideologies,
Political Campaigns, Governance, Human Rights, Legislative Process, Political
Parties, Diplomacy, Political Activism, Public Administration, Political Science,
Policy Analysi
18. Aesthetics and Beauty: Colors, Painting, Beauty, Aesthetics, Artistic Expression,
Harmony, Proportion, Visual Arts, Sculptural Arts, Design Principles, Visual
Perception, Art Appreciation, Beauty Standards, Fashion Aesthetics, Interior
Design, Landscaping, Makeup Artistry, Art Criticism, Art Movement
19. Religion and Philosophy: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Philosophy, Religious
Beliefs, Religious Rituals, Ethics, Metaphysics, Existentialism, Eastern Philosophy,
Western Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Religious Texts,
Comparative Religion, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Religion, Atheism,
Agnosticis
20. Economy and Finance: Money, Investment, Bank, Stock Market, Business,
Entrepreneurship, Financial Planning, Economic Growth, Globalization, Taxation,
Market Economy, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Corporate Finance, Financial
Markets, Financial Literacy, Wealth Management, Consumer Behavior, Economic
Policy
STRUCTURAL RELATIONSHIPS
It is possible to establish structural relationships among triassociating concepts.
For instance, let's consider the generation of a product idea, business concept, joke, or
haiku based on three concepts {A, B, C}. We can define the following structural
relationships: (1) hierarchical: concept A is associated with B, and then concept A is
associated with concept C; (2) cyclical: concept A is associated with B, B is associated
with C, and C is associated with A; and (3) chiastic: concept A is associated with B, B is
associated with C, C is associated with B, and B is associated with A.
The following examples illustrate the three different structural relationships
that can be established among the triassociating concepts: hierarchical, cyclical, and
chiastic.
1. Hierarchical Relationship:
a. In this relationship, the concepts are arranged in a hierarchical manner,
where concept A is associated with concept B, and then concept A is
associated with concept C. It follows a linear progression of associations.
b. Product Idea: A smart coffee maker that uses advanced technology to brew
coffee while maintaining a sustainable and environmentally friendly
approach inspired by nature. It could incorporate features such as smart
brewing algorithms, energy-efficient components, and sustainable sourcing
of coffee beans.
c. Business Concept: A tech-driven coffee company that focuses on promoting
eco-friendly practices and the preservation of nature. It could offer a range
of sustainable coffee products, employ advanced technology in coffee

44
production and distribution, and support environmental conservation
initiatives.
d. For example, in the product idea, the concept of "coffee" (A) is associated
with the concept of "technology" (B) by incorporating advanced brewing
technology. Then, concept A (coffee) is further associated with concept C
(nature) by emphasizing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices
inspired by nature.
2. Cyclical Relationship:
a. In the cyclical relationship, each concept is associated with the next one in a
cycle, forming a circular pattern. Concept A is associated with concept B,
concept B is associated with concept C, and concept C is associated with
concept A, completing the cycle.
b. Product Idea: An innovative coffee subscription service that integrates
technology, nature, and convenience. Customers can receive specialty coffee
blends inspired by the natural world, curated using machine learning
algorithms, and delivered through an eco-friendly packaging system.
c. Business Concept: A coffee-tech ecosystem that fosters sustainable practices
and nature-inspired coffee experiences. It combines cutting-edge
technology for coffee production, digital platforms for personalized coffee
recommendations based on individual taste profiles, and a commitment to
supporting environmental initiatives.
d. In the product idea, the cyclical relationship is demonstrated by
incorporating technology (B) into the coffee-making process, which in turn
is associated with nature (C) through sustainable practices. Finally, nature
(C) is associated with coffee (A) through the sourcing of natural coffee
beans.
3. Chiastic Relationship:
a. The chiastic relationship involves a crosswise association pattern among the
concepts. Concept A is associated with concept B, concept B is associated
with concept C, concept C is associated with concept B, and concept B is
associated with concept A. It forms a symmetrical and interconnected
relationship.
b. Product Idea: A coffee table book that beautifully showcases the
harmonious relationship between coffee, technology, and nature. It could
feature stunning photographs of coffee plantations, explore the role of
technology in coffee cultivation and brewing, and delve into the
environmental impact and sustainability practices of the coffee industry.
c. Business Concept: A holistic coffee venture that celebrates the interplay of
coffee, technology, and nature. It could include a coffee shop with an
interactive digital experience, incorporating elements of augmented reality
to educate customers about the origin of coffee beans, the technological
advancements in coffee brewing, and the importance of environmental
conservation.
d. In the business concept, the chiastic relationship is depicted by integrating
technology (B) into the coffee shop experience, which is associated with
nature (C) through environmental initiatives. Then, nature (C) is associated
with technology (B) through the use of augmented reality and digital

45
experiences, and finally, technology (B) is associated with coffee (A)
through the innovative coffee brewing methods and personalized
recommendations.
By exploring these structural relationships, we can create diverse and interconnected
ideas, concepts, jokes, or haikus that demonstrate the dynamic interplay among the
triassociating concepts.
IDEA REFINEMENT
Trisociation (and bisociation) can be used to refine, modify, or build up ideas.
One way this can be achieved is by introducing new associations with existing ideas
that can introduce novel elements as well improve the specificity and workability of
ideas. To achieve this, unrelated concepts not present in the original idea are
introduced to enable trisociation. Here are some examples.
Example 1: Sustainable Packaging Innovation
Let's revisit the challenge of developing sustainable packaging solutions for a
consumer product. The initial idea may involve using recyclable materials or reducing
the overall amount of packaging. To refine this idea using trisociation with unrelated
associations, we can introduce "bio-inspired design" and "smart technology" as new
associations.
By combining the initial idea with the concept of bio-inspired design, the focus
shifts towards seeking inspiration from nature to create sustainable packaging
solutions. This association could lead to ideas like mimicking the structural integrity
of natural materials, exploring biomimetic packaging materials, or integrating self-
healing properties inspired by biological systems.
Introducing the concept of smart technology as the third association brings the
idea of incorporating intelligent systems into packaging design. This could involve
integrating sensors to monitor freshness, temperature, or product quality, using smart
labels for interactive packaging experiences, or utilizing smart packaging to reduce
waste through better inventory management. This idea refinement combines
sustainability, nature-inspired design, and cutting-edge technology to create
innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Example 2: Educational Technology for Children
Let's now consider the goal of enhancing educational technology for children.
The initial idea may involve developing interactive apps or incorporating gamification
into learning experiences. To refine this idea using trisociation with unrelated
associations, we can introduce "architecture" and "culinary arts" as new associations.
By combining the initial idea with the concept of architecture, the focus shifts
towards integrating spatial design principles into educational technology. This
association could lead to ideas like creating virtual learning environments that mimic
iconic architectural structures, incorporating 3D modeling and visualization tools for
interactive learning experiences, or designing virtual classrooms with immersive
spatial navigation.

46
Introducing the concept of culinary arts as the third association brings the idea
of incorporating cooking and food-related elements into educational technology. This
could involve developing virtual cooking classes, interactive nutrition education apps,
or gamified language learning experiences centered around global cuisine. This idea
refinement combines technology, architecture, and culinary arts to create engaging
and multi-dimensional educational experiences for children.
Example 3: Urban Mobility Solution
Let's explore the challenge of developing a sustainable urban mobility solution
once again. The initial idea may involve electric vehicles or public transportation
enhancements. To refine this idea using trisociation with unrelated associations, we
can introduce "artificial intelligence" and "sports" as new associations.
By combining the initial idea with the concept of artificial intelligence (AI), the
focus shifts towards leveraging AI technologies for optimizing urban mobility. This
association could lead to ideas like AI-powered traffic management systems,
autonomous vehicles for efficient transportation, or personalized route planning based
on real-time data analysis. AI can help improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and
enhance overall transportation efficiency.
Introducing the concept of sports as the third association brings the idea of
incorporating sports-related elements into urban mobility solutions. This could
involve designing interactive fitness stations along transportation routes, promoting
active commuting through gamified incentives, or integrating sports facilities with
public transportation hubs to encourage physical activity. This idea refinement
combines sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and sports to create an innovative
and holistic urban mobility solution.
HUMOR AND STORYTELLING
Next, let's explore how trisociation can be utilized with LLMs to create humor.
In this experiment, we will randomly select three concepts: {patient, discovery, car}.
We will then prompt ChatGPT to generate jokes by associating two or all three of
these concepts synergistically (Table 8). To achieve this, we will provide the following
prompt to ChatGPT: “Generate 10 humorous jokes by synergistically associating the
following three (two) concepts: {list of concepts}.”
Table 8: Humor Generation using Trisociation and Bisociation
Concepts {patient,
discovery, car}
{patient,
discovery}
{patient, car} {discovery, car}
Joke 1 Why did the patient
bring a car to the
doctor's office?
Because they thought
they needed a
"checkup engine"
instead of a checkup!
Why did the patient
become a scientist?
Because they had a
knack for making
"dis-coveries"
during every
Why did the patient
take their car to the
doctor? Because it
had a case of
"exhausted" fumes!
Why did the
scientist take their
car to the lab?
Because they
wanted to discover
the secrets of

47
medical
examination!
"acceler-atom"
physics!
Joke 2 What did the doctor
say when the patient
told them they made
a groundbreaking
discovery about cars?
"Well, you certainly
know how to steer up
excitement!"
How did the patient
feel when they
made a
groundbreaking
discovery? They
were "patiently"
ecstatic!
What did the patient
say to their car when
it refused to start?
"Come on, don't be
such a carburetor-
lazy-bones!"
What did the
archaeologist say
when they found a
prehistoric car?
"Looks like the
Flintstones were
more advanced than
we thought!"
Joke 3 Why did the patient's
discovery about cars
make everyone
laugh? Because they
found out that car
horns were actually
just vehicles for hon-
esty!
Why did the
patient's discovery
in the lab make
everyone laugh?
Because it was a
"patient" whoopee
cushion!
Why did the patient
buy a car with
automatic parking?
Because they wanted
to ensure their car
would always have a
spot in the waiting
room!
Why did the
physicist buy a
smart car? They
wanted to make
groundbreaking
"intel-
lectromagnetism"
discoveries on the
go!
Joke 4 How did the patient's
car help them make a
medical discovery? It
gave them the "drive"
to find a cure for road
rage!
What did the
patient say when
they stumbled upon
a remarkable
scientific
breakthrough?
"Well, I guess
patience really does
pay off!"
How does a patient's
car handle
emergency
situations? It revs up
its engine and says,
"Don't worry, I've
got you covered! I'm
a car-diologist!"
How do you make a
car turn into a time
machine? Just
discover the "giga-
gear" hidden in the
glove compartment!
feel like their car was
always their best
friend? Because it
always knew how to
"break" the ice at the
mechanic's!
Why did the
patient's
groundbreaking
discovery receive so
much attention? It
was truly a "patient"
zero moment!
What do you call a
patient's car that
refuses to move in
the morning? A
"bedridden"mobile!
What's a scientist's
favorite type of car?
A "Tesla-nomy"! It's
electric and makes
every discovery eco-
friendly.
Joke 6 What did the patient
say to the doctor after
making a surprising
discovery about their
car's engine? "I think
my car just went from
0 to hilarious in 3.5
seconds!"
Why did the
patient's discovery
of a new medicine
cause such a stir?
Because it cured
impatience, but
only if you took it in
the long run!
Why did the
patient's car refuse
to start on cold
winter mornings?
Because it caught a
case of "chilly-
coilitis!"
Why did the
geologist choose a
car over a rock as
their research
partner? Because a
car can help them
"unearth" new
discoveries faster!
Joke 7 How did the patient
react after
discovering their car
had a hidden feature?
They exclaimed,
"Well, this just 'auto-
matic' my day!"
How did the patient
react when they
accidentally
discovered a way to
turn water into
wine? They said,
"Finally, my
patience has paid
off with a divine
discovery!"
What do you call a
patient's car that's
always running late?
A procrastin-car!
Why did the
astronaut take their
car to space? They
heard there was an
alien civilization on
the other side of the
moon drive-thru!
consult a mechanic
after making a
Why did the
patient's discovery
in the field of
How did the patient
feel when their car
broke down during
How did the
mathematician
discover a new way

48
scientific discovery?
Because they needed
someone to help
them "diagnose" the
fun in their car!
biology make them
famous overnight?
Because they found
the elusive "patient"
zero!
rush hour? They
were "wheely"
stressed out!
to calculate car
mileage? They
found the perfect
equation: "mileage =
(number of puns per
hour) x (number of
groans per minute)!"
Joke 9 What did the patient
say to the doctor after
finding out their car
had a secret
compartment?
"Looks like I've been
driving around with a
'trunk' card up my
sleeve!"
Why did the
patient's discovery
of a time machine in
the hospital surprise
everyone? They
found a way to
transport patients
to the future, but
they had to be very
"patient" while
waiting!
What's a patient's
car's favorite
pastime? Playing
"road trip-hop"
music!
What did the
biologist say when
they discovered a
car engine that ran
on plants? "Looks
like we've unlocked
the secret of
photosyn-car-
thesis!"
consider their car the
ultimate discovery?
Because it was the
only thing that could
give them a "fuel"
sense of humor!
Why did the
patient's discovery
of a hidden treasure
in the hospital cause
such a commotion?
It turns out, all
those years of
medical bills were
just a test of their
patience to find the
real gold mine!
Why did the
patient's car start
doing yoga? It
wanted to improve
its "inner
suspension"!
Why did the
inventor create a car
that could talk?
Because they
wanted to discover
if cars could have a
sense of "humor-
engine"!
SEMANTIC RELATEDNESS OF CONCEPTS
Semantic relatedness between concepts can be evaluated using semantic
distance. Semantic distance is a concept used to measure the similarity or dissimilarity
between words, phrases, sentences, or any other linguistic units. It is an indispensable
tool in natural language processing (NLP) and computational linguistics, aiding in
various tasks such as similarity quantification, information retrieval, document
clustering, word sense disambiguation, machine translation, and sentiment analysis.
By quantifying the semantic relationships between words, semantic distance helps us
understand and analyze the meaning and context of textual data. The following
approaches may be used to obtain measures of semantic distance:
• Distributional Semantics: Statistical models are used to represent words or
phrases in a high-dimensional space, where their positions are determined by
their co-occurrence patterns. The distance between two units in this space can
reflect their semantic relatedness. The more distant the concept, the less
similar it is considered to be.
• Word Embeddings: Words are represented as dense vector representations,
capturing their underlying semantic meanings. Algorithms such as Word2Vec,
GloVe, and fastText have been widely used to generate word embeddings that
can be utilized to compute semantic distance.
• Semantic Networks: Knowledge graphs or ontologies are utilized represent
relationships between concepts. By traversing these networks, semantic

49
distance can be calculated based on the number of connections or the length of
the paths between concepts.
• Latent Semantic Analysis: Matrix factorization techniques are used identify
latent semantic dimensions within a document collection, allowing for the
computation of semantic similarity based on these dimensions.
The relationship between semantic distance and the novelty and value of ideas has
been widely acknowledged (Heinen and Johnson 2018; Kenett 2019). On one hand,
when attempting to connect semantically similar concepts, it often leads to a
reduction in the number of ideas generated, as well as a decrease in their novelty.
Conversely, if the concepts are too distant from each other, it can make it extremely
challenging, or even impossible, to establish meaningful associations. Understanding
the role of semantic relatedness is crucial in harnessing the full potential of the
trisociation technique. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to
comprehensively explore the influence of semantic distance between trisociating
concepts on the idea-generation process. By examining this relationship, we aim to
shed light on how semantic relatedness affects the quality and originality of the ideas
generated through the trisociation technique.
The semantic distance between the words can be calculated in a number of ways,
including the use of WordNet.27 For example, let us consider the following seven
concepts: Mountain, Laptop, Sunshine, Elephant, Coffee, Rainforest, and Camera. The
following table lists the semantic distance of the focal word from others (Table 9).28
Table 9: Semantic Distance
Mountain Laptop Sunshine Elephant Coffee Rainforest Camera
Mountain
(1.0000)
Mountain
(0.0714)
Mountain
(0.0667)
Mountain
(0.0714)
Mountain
(0.1000)
Mountain
(0.0833)
Mountain
(0.1000)
Laptop
(0.0714)
Laptop
(1.0000)
Laptop
(0.0455)
Laptop
(0.0526)
Laptop
(0.0588)
Laptop
(0.0526)
Laptop
(0.0909)
Sunshine
(0.0667)
Sunshine
(0.0455)
Sunshine
(1.0000)
Sunshine
(0.0455)
Sunshine
(0.0625)
Sunshine
(0.0556
Sunshine
(0.0556)
Elephant
(0.0714)
Elephant
(0.0526)
Elephant
(0.0455)
Elephant
(1.0000)
Elephant
(0.0769)
Elephant
(0.0714)
Elephant
(0.0667)
Coffee
(0.1000)
Coffee
(0.0588)
Coffee
(0.0625)
Coffee
(0.0769)
Coffee
(1.0000)
Coffee
(0.0769)
Coffee
(0.0769)
Rainforest
(0.0833)
Rainforest
(0.0526)
Rainforest
(0.0556)
Rainforest
(0.0714)
Rainforest
(0.0769)
Rainforest
(1.0000)
Rainforest
(0.0667)
Camera
(0.1000)
Camera
(0.0909)
Camera
(0.0556)
Camera
(0.0667)
Camera
(0.0769)
Camera
(0.0667)
Camera
(1.0000)
In an extension of the ideation card game, each carded can be printed with a
grid that indicates the semantic distance of each other word in the card deck. This can
be used to guide the process of trisociation. For example, optimal ideas may involve
two concepts that are semantically close, and one is semantically distant. For example,
27 An online tool that allows one to do this quickly is can be found at https://ws4jdemo.appspot.com/
28 The semantic distance measure used in this case computes the semantic relatedness of word senses by counting
the number of nodes along the shortest path between the senses in the 'is-a' hierarchies of WordNet. Source:
https://ws4jdemo.appspot.com/

50
an ideator may be given a selection of 10 cards from the deck of 100. The semantic
distance measures can help the ideator to quickly choose promising concepts to
trisociate with or without using generative AI tools.
To conduct our research, we have carefully selected a set of core concepts that will
be utilized in the trisociation exercise. These concepts serve as the foundation for our
investigation into semantic distance and its impact on idea generation. In order to
ensure a diverse and representative set of concepts, we employed ChatGPT to generate
a list of more than 200 noun concepts. From these we randomly selected following 100
listed below. These concepts cover a wide range of domains and provide a rich starting
point for our study.
anger, apple, art, artist, baseball, beach, bed, blanket, blossom, board, book, bus,
butterfly, car, cat, celebration, chocolate, cloud, compassion, cookie, country, courage,
creation, cup, dance, desk, discovery, door, exploration, fear, firefly, firework, flower,
food, football, freedom, happiness, harmony, hat, health, history, home, hope, hospital,
ice cream, inspiration, joy, jungle, key, laptop, library, lock, medicine, mirror, mountain,
movie, museum, mystery, paper, park, party, patient, peace, pen, pencil, pillow, plane,
popcorn, rainbow, rainforest, religion, restaurant, road, seashell, serenity, shirt, smile,
snowflake, sock, starlight, student, sunshine, swimming, tea, teacher, television, tennis,
thunderstorm, train, treasure, university, wallet, wanderlust, wave, wilderness, wildlife,
window, wisdom, world, writing
We can organize the above words based on their semantic distance from a focal
concept, such as restaurant or car. By doing so, we can examine how the selection of
trisociating concepts, whether they are semantically similar or distant, influences the
quality of ideas. For example, let's explore the process of generating ideas for novel
shoe concepts using the above word list. The focal concept is 'shoe,' and we will
trisociate it with two words from the list. To proceed, we select two words from the list
that are semantically closest to 'shoe,' which in this case are {sock, hat}. Additionally,
we choose two concepts that are furthest from 'shoe,' namely {butterfly,
thunderstorm}. Furthermore, we can select two concepts that are moderately distant,
such as {desk, mirror}. This approach allows for a diverse range of associations and
connections. The following prompt was provided to ChatGPT: “Generate 10 compelling
business ideas by synergistically associating the following three concepts: {list of
concepts}.” Summaries of the ideas generated are listed in Table 10.
Table 10: Ideas generated by ChatGPT
Method Trisociation
Concepts {shoe, sock, hat} {shoe, desk, mirror} {shoe, butterfly,
thunderstorm}
Idea 1 Customized Footwear
Experience: Create a
personalized shoe fitting
services along with custom-
designed socks and hats to
Virtual Fitting Room:
Develop an augmented
reality (AR) app that allows
users to try on different
shoes virtually, using their
mobile devices or smart
mirrors.
Stormwalk Shoes: Create a
line of innovative shoes
inspired by the grace and
resilience of butterflies and
the power of thunderstorms.

51
complement the chosen
footwear.
Idea 2 Sustainable Shoe
Accessories: Establish a
business focused on
producing eco-friendly and
sustainable shoe accessories.
Office Wellness Furniture:
Create ergonomic desks that
incorporate built-in mirrors.
Butterfly Effect Fitness:
Develop a fitness center that
incorporates elements of a
thunderstorm to create an
immersive and energizing
workout experience.
Idea 3 Performance Shoe Bundles:
Cater to athletes and sports
enthusiasts by offering high-
performance shoe bundles.
Shoe Restoration Services:
Establish a business that
specializes in restoring and
repairing shoes.
ShoeMetamorph: Build a
customizable shoe brand
that allows customers to
transform their footwear
design at will, inspired by
the transformative lifecycle
of a butterfly.
Idea 4 Shoe Care Subscription Box:
Create a subscription-based
business that delivers
monthly shoe care packages.
Smart Mirror Fitness Shoes:
Develop technologically
advanced shoes equipped
with sensors that track
various fitness metrics, such
as steps, distance, and
calories burned.
Thunderstep Tours:
Establish an adventure
tourism company
specializing in guided hikes
through dramatic
landscapes known for
thunderstorms and butterfly
habitats.
Idea 5 Shoe, Sock, and Hat
Boutique: Open a boutique
store that offers a wide
range of shoes, socks, and
hats, with a focus on
providing expert styling
advice to customers.
Customizable Shoe Design
Studio: Create an online
platform or physical studio
where customers can design
and customize their own
shoes.
Electric Butterfly Shoes:
Develop a line of eco-
friendly shoes that harness
energy from thunderstorms.
Idea 6 Shoe, Sock, and Hat Rental
Service: Launch a rental
service for shoes, socks, and
hats, targeting special
occasions such as weddings,
parties, and corporate
events.
Shoe-Matching Styling
Service: Launch a
subscription-based styling
service that sends customers
curated outfits and shoes
based on their preferences
and lifestyle.
Thunderfly Accessories:
Create a line of fashion
accessories such as earrings,
necklaces, and bracelets that
combine the delicate beauty
of butterflies with the raw
energy of thunderstorms.
Idea 7 Shoe, Sock, and Hat
Collaboration: Collaborate
with fashion designers and
artists to create limited
edition shoe collections that
come with specially
designed matching socks
and hats.
Shoe Rental Subscription
Box: Introduce a
subscription-based business
that delivers a monthly box
of curated designer shoes to
customers.
ShoeStorm App: Design a
mobile app that uses
advanced weather tracking
and prediction algorithms to
help users plan their
outdoor activities based on
the likelihood of
thunderstorms.
Idea 8 Shoe, Sock, and Hat Repair
Service: Establish a business
that specializes in shoe,
sock, and hat repairs.
Shoe Photography Studio:
Set up a professional
photography studio that
specializes in capturing
high-quality images of shoes
for online retailers or
individual sellers.
Butterfly Bloom Gardens:
Establish a chain of specialty
nurseries that focus on
cultivating butterfly-friendly
plants and flowers.
Idea 9 Shoe, Sock, and Hat Gift
Sets: Create curated gift sets
that combine stylish shoes,
Mirror-Embedded Shoe
Displays: Create innovative
shoe displays for retail stores
by integrating mirrors into
Thunderstruck Tech: Create
a technology company
specializing in innovative

52
complementary socks, and
fashionable hats.
the shelves or display
stands.
solutions for the energy
sector.
Idea 10 Shoe, Sock, and Hat Fashion
Blog: Start a fashion blog
that focuses on showcasing
trendy shoe, sock, and hat
combinations.
Shoe-Matching AI App:
Develop an AI-powered
mobile app that helps users
find the perfect shoe to
match their outfit.
Sole Symphony: Launch a
shoe brand that combines
fashion with audio
technology to create a
unique sensory experience.
It appears that the best ideas, which strike a balance between novelty and
feasibility, are often derived from combinations of moderately distant concepts.
However, it is equally important to explore other combinations that incorporate both
near and distant prompts. Here are the twelve possibilities: {shoe, sock, desk}, {shoe,
sock, mirror}, {shoe, sock, butterfly}, {shoe, sock, thunderstorm}, {shoe, hat, desk},
{shoe, hat, mirror}, {shoe, hat, butterfly}, {shoe, hat, thunderstorm}, {shoe, desk,
butterfly}, {shoe, desk, thunderstorm}, {shoe, mirror, butterfly}, {shoe, mirror,
thunderstorm}. Ideas generated for three of the above sets are shown below (Table 11).
Table 11: Ideas generated by ChatGPT
Method Trisociation
Concepts {shoe, sock, desk} {shoe, sock, butterfly} {shoe, desk, butterfly}
Idea 1 Ergonomic Office Footwear:
Create a line of shoes
professionals who spend
long hours at their desks.
Customized Butterfly-
Inspired Sock Shoes: Create
a line of innovative shoe
designs that combine the
functionality of shoes with
the comfort and style of
socks, drawing inspiration
from the vibrant colors and
patterns of butterflies.
Eco-Friendly Shoe
Manufacturing: Create a line
of shoes made from
sustainable materials, such
as recycled plastics and
organic fabrics.
Idea 2 Customizable Sock-Desk
Organizers: Develop a
unique desk organizer that
incorporates compartments
specifically designed to hold
socks.
Eco-Friendly Butterfly Shoe
Accessories: Develop a range
of eco-friendly shoe
butterflies.
Desk Organizer for Shoe
Enthusiasts: Develop a
unique desk organizer
shoe enthusiasts.
Idea 3 Footwear Subscription Box:
Launch a subscription
service that delivers a
curated collection of shoes
and socks to customers'
doorsteps regularly.
Butterfly Sock Subscription
Box: Launch a subscription-
based service that delivers a
curated collection of
butterfly-themed socks to
subscribers on a regular
basis.
Virtual Reality Shoe
Shopping Experience:
Combine the concepts of
shoes, desks, and butterflies
to create an immersive
virtual reality (VR) shopping
experience.
Idea 4 Smart Shoe Insoles:
Introduce smart insoles that
can be inserted into any
shoe, providing personalized
foot support and
monitoring.
Shoe Brand Supporting
Butterfly Conservation:
Create a shoe brand
committed to supporting
butterfly conservation
efforts.
Butterfly-Inspired Shoe
Accessories: Design and
manufacture a range of shoe
butterfly wings.
Idea 5 Desk-Friendly Shoe
Cleaning Kit: Develop a
compact shoe cleaning kit
Children's Butterfly Sock
Shoes: Design a line of
playful and comfortable sock
Customizable Butterfly Shoe
Designs: Launch a shoe
customization platform that
allows customers to design

53
office use.
shoes specifically tailored for
children.
their own shoes with
butterfly-inspired patterns
and motifs.
Idea 6 Sock Subscription Service:
Launch a subscription-based
service that delivers high-
quality, stylish socks to
customers on a regular basis.
Butterfly-Inspired Shoe Care
Products: Develop a range of
shoe care products infused
with butterfly-inspired
fragrances and ingredients.
Shoe Cleaning and Repair
Service: Establish a
specialized shoe cleaning
and repair service that caters
to shoe enthusiasts.
Idea 7 Shoe and Sock Collaboration
Platform: Create an online
platform that connects shoe
designers with sock
designers, fostering
collaboration and enabling
unique shoe-sock
combinations.
Butterfly-Themed Shoe
Store: Create a specialty
shoe store with a captivating
butterfly theme throughout
the space.
Butterfly-Inspired Desk
Décor Subscription Box:
Curate a subscription box
service focused on butterfly-
themed desk décor items,
including stationery, desk
organizers, and inspirational
artwork.
Idea 8 Standing Desk Footwear
Collection: Design a line of
shoes specifically tailored for
individuals who use
standing desks.
Butterfly-Sock Hybrid Sports
Shoes: Engineer a line of
athletic shoes that combine
the flexibility and comfort of
socks with the performance
features of sports shoes.
Shoe-Inspired Desk Chairs:
Collaborate with furniture
designers to create
ergonomic desk chairs
inspired by the design and
functionality of athletic
shoes.
Idea 9 Sustainable Shoe and Sock
Brand: Establish a socially
responsible brand that
manufactures eco-friendly
shoes and socks.
Shoe Brand Promoting
Butterfly Education:
Establish a shoe brand
dedicated to educating
consumers about butterflies
and their significance.
Butterfly Conservation
Awareness Campaign:
Launch a social impact
initiative that raises
awareness about butterfly
conservation.
Idea 10 Desk-Integrated Shoe Rack:
Develop a desk with an
integrated shoe rack
beneath it, allowing
professionals to keep their
shoes conveniently stored
and easily accessible while
working.
Butterfly-Inspired Shoe
Accessories for Events:
Develop a line of elegant
shoe accessories inspired by
butterflies, specifically
targeted at weddings,
parties, and other special
events.
Butterfly Garden Workshops
for Shoe Industry
Professionals: Organize
workshops and seminars for
shoe industry professionals
focused on butterfly
gardening and conservation.
It appears that ideas show the most promise when the non-focal (forcing)
concepts are moderately distant from each other, or when one is moderately distant
while the other is close to the focal prompt. However, we have yet to explore the
significance of the distances among the forcing concepts themselves. For instance, it is
worth considering whether two forcing concepts that are distant from the focal
concept can be close, moderately distant, or distant from each other, and how these
distances impact idea generation. This consideration is important because a forcing
concept that is near or moderately distant from both the focal concept and a distant
forcing concept can help establish a connection or association between the focal and
distant forcing concept.
It is also possible to generate novel ideas by using polar opposite concepts, such
as 'hot' and 'cold.' Let's explore this approach by generating innovative ideas for a
university using trisociation. For the first concept, we randomly select an idea from

54
our general concept list.29 The random forcing concept we selected was ‘home.’ Next
we used ChatGPT to select a concept polar opposite to the forcing concept from our
general concept list. The word ‘wilderness’ was provided by ChatGPT. Thus, our
trisociating concepts are {university, home, wilderness}. We subsequently asked the
LLM to generate three innovative ideas that associated the three concepts. The
following ideas were obtained:
1. Eco-Education Retreat: Imagine a unique university program that combines the
comfort of home with the adventure of the wilderness. Students would have the
opportunity to live in eco-friendly homes located in the midst of a beautiful,
untouched wilderness. They would attend classes at the university campus
during the day and return to their sustainable homes in the evenings,
immersing themselves in nature. This program would emphasize hands-on
learning, outdoor exploration, and sustainability, providing a holistic education
experience unlike any other.
2. Wilderness Research Hub: In this concept, a university establishes a specialized
research center in a remote wilderness location. This hub would serve as a base
for conducting groundbreaking research and innovation in fields such as
environmental science, biology, and conservation. The university would offer
its students and faculty the opportunity to live and work at the hub, providing a
unique blend of academia and wilderness exploration. It would foster
collaboration, experiential learning, and a deep connection with nature,
inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.
3. Virtual Wilderness Learning: This idea takes a different approach, leveraging
technology to bring the wilderness experience into the homes of university
students. A university could develop an immersive virtual reality (VR) program
that allows students to explore and learn about various wilderness
environments from the comfort of their homes. They would participate in
virtual field trips, engage in interactive learning modules, and even collaborate
with fellow students in virtual wilderness expeditions. This concept would
make wilderness education accessible to a broader audience, overcoming
geographical limitations and providing an innovative way to experience and
study the wilderness.
Dynamics can be introduced in the trisociation by using a prompt sucha as:
generate three novel ideas by associating and varying based on some external inputs
the following three concepts: {university, home, wilderness}. This prompt resulted in
the following ideas:
1. Mobile Learning Pods: Inspired by the concept of universities, homes, and
wilderness, imagine a unique educational experience that combines the
benefits of all three. Mobile learning pods are custom-built vehicles equipped
with state-of-the-art technology and educational resources. These pods travel
to different wilderness locations, allowing students to learn and explore nature
simultaneously. Students can live in the pods temporarily, creating a sense of
home while immersing themselves in the wilderness. The mobile learning pods
29
A online tool that can help with choosing a random element from a list can be found here:
https://miniwebtool.com/random-picker/

55
provide access to university-level courses and expert instructors, creating a
dynamic and transformative educational experience.
2. Eco-Habitat University: In this innovative concept, universities and wilderness
come together to create sustainable and eco-friendly learning environments.
Picture a university campus designed as an integrated ecosystem, seamlessly
blending with the surrounding wilderness. The campus incorporates
sustainable architecture, renewable energy sources, and natural landscapes.
Students live in eco-habitats, which are self-sufficient and harmoniously
connected to nature. The curriculum emphasizes environmental studies,
conservation, and research, fostering a deep appreciation for the wilderness
while providing a world-class education.
3. Virtual Wild Home Program: This concept leverages the power of virtual reality
(VR) technology to bring together the concepts of home, university, and
wilderness. The Virtual Wild Home Program offers students an immersive
educational experience from the comfort of their homes. Through VR
simulations, students can explore various wilderness settings and ecosystems,
guided by virtual instructors. They can participate in interactive lectures,
engage in virtual fieldwork, and collaborate with fellow students worldwide.
The program combines the convenience of home-based learning with the
excitement and adventure of exploring the wilderness, offering a unique and
accessible educational opportunity.
Let us explore a scenario where we have access to an extensive pool of concepts,
and we possess prior knowledge of an initial concept, such as "car," "restaurant," or
"university." Imagine a software application designed to facilitate this process by
suggesting two additional concepts once the first concept is provided by the user. In
this context, our primary objective revolves around determining the most effective
approach to identifying the subsequent two concepts. We aim to achieve a balance
that maximizes the potential for generating a diverse range of ideas, both in terms of
their quality and quantity.
When it comes to bisociation, it becomes apparent that if the associating
concepts are too closely related, the resulting ideas tend to be rather trivial. On the
contrary, if the concepts are exceedingly distant from one another, the challenge of
creating meaningful associations arises, often leading to ideas that are impractical or
less relevant. Striking the right balance between proximity and distance is crucial to
encourage the emergence of novel and valuable ideas. However, when we venture into
the realm of trisociation involving three concepts, denoted as C1, C2, and C3, a more
intricate landscape unfolds. We now encounter three distinct semantic distances or
relatedness measurements to consider: D12, D23, and D13. Each of these distances
represents the degree of connection between the corresponding pairs of concepts.
Within this context, our primary focus lies in identifying the optimal combinations of
semantic distances that prove most effective in maximizing the potential for divergent
production of ideas.
By discerning the ideal balance between proximity and distance in these
trisociation scenarios, we aim to uncover the specific configurations that yield the
highest potential for generating an abundance of innovative ideas. Our quest involves

56
not only understanding the nature of semantic relationships but also unraveling the
intricate interplay of these relationships to unleash the full extent of creative ideation.
SECONDARY SCHEMAS
In this section, we will build on Mandler’s model (Mandler 1984) and discuss
how AI can be utilized to identify a bridging concept that acts as a secondary schema
to alleviate or diminish any incongruity between two given associated concepts.
To illustrate this, we will generate various sets of concept pairs from our core
list, including {mountain, teacher} and {starlight, blosson}. Then, we ask the LLM to
pick a concept from a list of 100 general concept words that is semantically close to
both the concepts in each case using the prompt: Pick a concept equally close
semantically to both {A, B} from the following list of words: [word list]. For {mountain,
teacher}, the concept ‘wisdom’ was picked and for {starlight, blossom} the concept
‘flower’ was picked. Next, we picked two more concepts {key, food} and then asked
ChatGPT to select a concept from a list of living organisms (Table 12).
Table 12: Secondary Schema Selection
Trisociation Logic for Third
Concept (Secondary
Schema)
Bisociated Idea Trisociated Business
Idea
{mountain,
teacher,
wisdom}
Both mountains and
teachers are often
associated with wisdom.
Mountains can
symbolize strength,
stability, and the passage
of time, which are
qualities often
associated with wisdom.
Similarly, teachers are
seen as sources of
knowledge, guidance,
and wisdom, as they
impart their expertise
and experience to
others.
Summit School Retreats
is a unique business that
combines the concepts
of mountains and
teachers to create
transformative
educational experiences
for students. It aims to
provide immersive
outdoor learning
opportunities in
mountainous regions
while utilizing the
expertise of qualified
teachers.
Mountain Wisdom
Retreats is a unique
business that combines
the concepts of
mountains, teachers,
and wisdom to provide
transformative
experiences for
individuals seeking
personal growth and
enlightenment.
{starlight,
blossom,
flower}
A concept equally close
semantically to both
"starlight" and "blossom"
from the given list of
words would be "flower."
Both "starlight" and
"blossom" are associated
with natural beauty and
evoke a sense of wonder
and enchantment.
Similarly, "flower" also
represents the beauty of
nature and the blooming
process, which aligns
Starlight Blossom Cafe is
a unique and enchanting
cafe that combines the
concepts of starlight and
blossoms to create a
captivating and
memorable dining
experience. The cafe will
feature a celestial theme
with an abundance of
beautiful flowers,
creating a magical
atmosphere that
transports customers to
Starry Blossom Floral
Experiences is a unique
enchanting and
immersive floral
experiences under the
magical night sky. We
specialize in creating
captivating events and
experiences where
guests can witness the
mesmerizing beauty of
blossoming flowers
illuminated by starlight.

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with the imagery and
emotions evoked by
"starlight" and
"blossom."
a dreamy and relaxing
setting.
{key, food,
octopus}
"Key" can be associated
with an "Octopus" due
to its ability to
manipulate objects and
open jars or containers
with its tentacles,
displaying a level of
dexterity that resembles
using a key. Food" can
be associated with an
"Octopus" as it is a
common source of
seafood and often
consumed as a delicacy
in various cuisines.
"Key Bites" is an
innovative and fun food
business that combines
the concept of keys with
delicious and unique
culinary creations. We
specialize in crafting
key-shaped food delights
that not only satisfy your
taste buds but also bring
a touch of whimsy to
your dining experience.
Key-Octo Eats is a
unique culinary
experience that
combines the fascination
of octopus delicacies
with the concept of
unlocking exquisite
flavors through the use
of keys. It aims to
provide a one-of-a-kind
dining adventure
centered around
octopus-inspired dishes,
offering a memorable
fusion of taste,
ambiance, and
exploration.
When we asked ChatGPT for a concept connecting 'mountain' and 'teacher'
without providing a word list, the word 'guide' was suggested with the following logic:
A mountain guide is someone who leads and instructs climbers or hikers in navigating
and conquering mountains, while a teacher is someone who guides and imparts
knowledge to students. Both roles involve providing guidance and support to others in
different contexts. A summary of the business idea generated by trisociating the
concept was as follows: Summit Scholars is an adventure education company that
specializes in providing transformative experiences in mountainous regions. We
believe that the combination of outdoor exploration, expert guidance, and educational
insights can foster personal growth and create lasting memories.
Next we prompted for a concept that is semantically opposite to both
‘mountain’ and ‘teacher’ using the following prompt: Identify a word is semantically
opposite to both the following concepts: {mountain, teacher}. The word ‘valley’ was
obtained with the following logic: A valley is a low-lying area between mountains or
hills, and it is in contrast to the concept of a mountain. In addition, a valley is often
associated with a lack of authority or expertise, which is contrary to the role of a
teacher who imparts knowledge and guidance. Therefore, "valley" can be seen as a
word that is semantically opposite to both "mountain" and "teacher." When we
prompted for a business model that trisociated {mountain, teacher, valley}, the
following ideas were obtained:
1. Adventure Education Retreat: This business idea combines the concepts of
mountains and teachers to create an adventure education retreat in
mountainous regions. The retreat could offer experiential learning activities
such as rock climbing, hiking, survival skills training, and team-building
exercises. Teachers or experienced outdoor instructors would lead educational
workshops and provide guidance throughout the retreat, combining outdoor
adventures with learning opportunities.

58
2. Online Tutoring Platform: This business idea leverages the concept of a teacher
to create an online tutoring platform specifically targeting students in rural or
remote areas, often referred to as "valleys." The platform could connect
qualified teachers with students who may lack access to quality education due
to geographical limitations. It would provide virtual classrooms, interactive
learning materials, and one-on-one tutoring sessions to bridge the education
gap and empower students in underserved areas.
3. Sustainable Agriculture Cooperative: This business idea combines the concepts
of mountains and valleys to create a sustainable agriculture cooperative. The
cooperative could focus on cultivating crops and implementing
environmentally friendly farming practices in mountainous regions and valleys.
It could offer training and workshops for local farmers to learn sustainable
farming techniques from experienced teachers. The cooperative could also
establish direct partnerships with local communities, restaurants, and markets
to promote and sell their organic and locally grown produce.
We also explored the possibility of using the same set of trisociating concepts for other
types of creative outputs (Table 13). The prompt used was: Generate a product idea,
humorous joke, and a haiku that associates the following three concepts:{concept list}
Table 13: Creative Outputs using Trisociation
Trisociation Product Idea Joke Haiku
{mountain,
teacher,
wisdom}
Introducing
"SummitSense," the
world's first mountain-
inspired wisdom
companion. This
innovative device
combines the knowledge
of a wise teacher with
the grandeur of a
mountain, providing
insightful guidance for
your everyday
challenges.
Why did the mountain
want to become a
teacher? Because it
heard it could finally
reach the summit of
wisdom, without
actually climbing!
Mountain's wisdom
flows,
Teacher guides like lofty
peak,
Enlightenment gained.
{starlight,
blossom,
flower}
Introducing the
"Twinkle Blossom," a
one-of-a-kind flower
that radiates with
starlight! This
extraordinary plant
combines the
enchantment of starry
nights with the delicate
beauty of blossoms. The
Twinkle Blossom is
genetically engineered to
absorb and emit light,
creating a captivating
display in your garden or
living space.
Why did the flower go
to the nightclub?
Because it wanted to
blossom and dance
under the disco ball's
starlight!
Starlight gently falls,
Blossoms open to the
night,
Flower's silent grace.

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{key, food,
octopus}
Introducing the Octo-
Key Snack Holder, the
perfect solution for all
your on-the-go snacking
needs! This innovative
product combines the
functionality of a
keychain with the
deliciousness of a food
container. Shaped like a
miniature octopus, it
features eight tentacles
that can securely hold
your favorite bite-sized
treats.
Why did the octopus
bring a key to the
seafood party?
Because it wanted to
unlock the clam's shell-
fie!
Eight arms reach out
wide,
Key to unlock food
delight,
Octopus delights.
In a similar exercise, given an initial concept, we can first identify a word from our
general list of concept words that is semantically opposite to the initial concept. Next,
we select the third concept that connects (or is semantically equidistant) to the first
two concept. The following prompt were used:
• select a word from the list that is semantically opposite to 'television': [list of
words]
• select a word from the list that connects 'television' and 'wilderness': [list of
words]
• Generate a business idea that associates the following three concepts:
{television, wilderness, nature}
Table 14 examples of ideas generated this way.
Table 14: Trisociation Using Initial, Opposite and Connecting Concepts
Trisociating Concepts
(initial, opposite,
connecting)
Business Idea
television, wilderness,
nature
WildVentures TV is a unique television network that combines the
captivating power of television with the awe-inspiring beauty of the
wilderness and nature. The network aims to provide immersive and
educational content to viewers, promoting a deeper understanding
and appreciation for the natural world.
plane, ground, landing AeroGround Landing Services is a unique business that combines
aviation and ground operations to provide efficient and convenient
landing solutions for private and commercial aircraft. Our goal is to
offer a comprehensive suite of services that streamline the landing
process, enhance passenger experiences, and optimize ground
operations.
paper, digital, writing Digital Notebooks Plu aims to create and market a hybrid product that
combines the advantages of both paper and digital mediums for
writing. We propose developing a range of smart notebooks that
integrate seamlessly with digital devices, providing a unique and
convenient writing experience.

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In a similar exercise, given an initial concept, we can first identify a word from our
general list of concept words that is most unrelated to the initial concept. Next, we
select the third concept that connects (or is semantically equidistant) to the first two
concept. The following prompt were used:
• select a word from the list that is most unrelated to the concept 'blossom' : [list
of words]
• select a word from the list that connects 'blossom' and 'anger': [list of words]
• generate a haiku that associates the following three concepts: {blossom, anger,
firework}
Trisociating Concepts
(initial, opposite, connecting)
Haiku
blossom, anger, firework Blossoms dance gently, Anger's flame ignites the sky,
Fireworks explode.
apple, thunderstorm, rainforest Drenched rainforest greens, Thunderstorm's fierce
symphony, Apple's sweet refuge.
cat, laptop, mouse Curious cat paws, Laptop hums, screen aglow, Mouse
dances, playtime.
freedom, lock, key Key unlocks the chains, Freedom's sweet embrace unfurls,
Lock's grip relinquished.
TRISOCIATION AND TRIANGULATION
First, we randomly select three concepts from our general list. The concepts
obtained were 'health,' 'freedom,' and 'cookie.' Next, we find a set of three concepts
that connect pairs of the original words. These were obtained as 'wellness' (health,
freedom), 'indulgence' (freedom, cookie), and 'balance' (health, cookie). Next, we
asked ChatGPT to write a story involving the following concepts in sequence: health,
wellness, freedom, indulgence, cookie, and health. The prompt given was: 'Write a
story featuring the character Raymond, incorporating the following concepts in
sequence: health, wellness, freedom, indulgence, cookie, and health. Here is a
summary of the story:
Raymond, a health-conscious man, prioritizes his physical and mental well-being in the
town of Meadowbrook. Consumed by his strict routine, he neglects indulgence and the
joys of life. When he stumbles upon a bakery, he's tempted to try a cookie and discovers
the importance of balance. The baker reminds him that wellness includes nurturing the
soul. Raymond embraces a more holistic approach, incorporating occasional
indulgences into his routine. He realizes that well-being involves physical health as well
as finding joy and satisfaction in life's simple pleasures. Raymond shares his newfound
wisdom, inspiring others to find their own balance.
We can also triangulate using opposite concepts. For example consider the random set
of trisociating cconcepts {teacher, butterfly, plane}. We will now create a new set of
trisociating concept by identifying a concept that is opposite to each concept-pairs.
• The word "student" is the opposite of "teacher" because one is in a position of
authority, guiding others' learning, while the other is in a position of learning,

61
receiving instruction from a teacher. It is also the opposite of "butterfly"
because a student typically symbolizes a structured educational journey, while
a butterfly represents freedom and spontaneity.
• The reason "pilot" can be considered opposite to both "teacher" and "plane" is
that it represents a role that is involved in flying and controlling aircraft,
whereas a "teacher" is associated with imparting knowledge and instructing,
and a "plane" is the object being operated by the pilot. Thus, "pilot" stands as a
word that is opposite to both "teacher" and "plane" in terms of their roles and
functions.
• The term "caterpillar" can be considered opposite to both "butterfly" and
"plane" because it represents the early stage of a butterfly's life cycle and is also
associated with ground movement rather than flight.
The prompt given was: 'Write a story featuring the character Raymond, incorporating
the following concepts in sequence: teacher, student, butterfly, caterpillar, plane, pilot,
teacher’
In the town of Meadowbrook, teacher Mr. Raymond inspires his students. Emily shows
him a butterfly, leading to a lesson on transformation. Later, Mr. Raymond surprises the
students by piloting a plane on a field trip. They spot a butterfly flying alongside,
teaching them about unexpected inspiration. Mr. Raymond shares a message of
pursuing dreams and reaching new heights. The students return with newfound
aspirations. Years later, Emily becomes a teacher, continuing Mr. Raymond's legacy. He
realizes the impact he made and smiles, knowing his influence extended beyond the
classroom, like a butterfly's gentle flutter in the wind.
We can also add concepts similar to adjoining concept and use the following
prompt to generate a richer storyline: 'Write a story in 150 words featuring the
character Raymond, incorporating the following concepts in sequence: teacher,
student, metamorphosis, butterfly, caterpillar, wings, plane, pilot, instructor, teacher’
Raymond, a seasoned teacher, stepped into his classroom on a sunny morning. His
students eagerly awaited their lesson on metamorphosis. Raymond began by describing
the miraculous transformation of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, captivating
their young minds. Inspired by their enthusiasm, Raymond organized a field trip to a
butterfly garden. Amidst fluttering wings and vibrant blossoms, one particular butterfly
caught Raymond's attention—a symbol of profound change. As the days passed,
Raymond couldn't shake off the allure of flight. He embarked on a personal journey of
transformation, learning to pilot a plane. Under the guidance of an experienced
instructor, Raymond acquired the skills needed to soar the skies. Years later, Raymond
found himself standing in front of a classroom once again. This time, he wasn't the
teacher but the instructor, sharing his passion for flying with a new generation of
students. From teacher to student, caterpillar to butterfly, Raymond's story became a
testament to the power of transformation and the infinite possibilities that await those
who dare to spread their wings and follow their dreams.

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Next, let us explore the prospect of crafting a continuous storyline by employing
triangulation and subsequently trisociating the story using novel prompts. To
commence, we begin with the initial segment of the aforementioned story.
Raymond, a seasoned teacher, stepped into his classroom on a sunny morning.
Raymond, a seasoned teacher, stepped into his classroom on a sunny morning. His
students eagerly awaited their lesson on metamorphosis. Raymond began by describing
the miraculous transformation of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, captivating
their young minds.
The focal point in the aforementioned section of the story is 'metamorphosis'.
Moving forward, we randomly select a concept from our list, and in this case, it is
'laptop'. Subsequently, we seek to identify a concept that shares similarities with both
'metamorphosis' and 'laptop'. The resulting word is 'transformation', supported by the
following rationale: "Both a laptop and metamorphosis involve a process of change or
transformation. A laptop can transform the way we work or access information, while
metamorphosis refers to a biological transformation, such as the transformation of a
caterpillar into a butterfly." We now request ChatGPT to continue the story by
associating it with {transformation, laptop}. The output obtained is as follows.
As Raymond continued his lesson on metamorphosis, he noticed a glimmer of
excitement in his students' eyes. He wanted to further engage them and make the
concept of transformation more tangible and relatable. Suddenly, an idea struck him,
and he reached into his bag to pull out his trusty laptop.
Next, we retrieve the word 'car' from our list. The word that connects 'laptop' and 'car'
is 'navigation.' We proceed with the story by associating it with {navigation, car}.
He placed the laptop on his desk and connected it to the projector, casting a large screen
onto the classroom wall. The eager students shifted in their seats, their curiosity piqued
by the sudden change in the lesson. Raymond clicked on the icon of a virtual map,
launching a navigation program. He explained, "Today, we are going to take a virtual
journey, much like how a caterpillar navigates its way through the stages of
metamorphosis. We will explore the transformation process through the lens of a car's
navigation system."
Next, we extract the word 'cloud' from our list. The word that connects 'car' and 'cloud'
is 'connected.' To conclude the story, we tasked ChatGPT with associating it with
{connected, cloud}.
Using the power of the cloud, Raymond accessed a shared educational platform that
allowed his students to connect and collaborate with other classrooms around the world.
As the virtual journey began, Raymond guided his students through interactive
simulations and real-time data, demonstrating how the caterpillar's transformation
paralleled the GPS-guided navigation system in a car. The students marveled at the
interconnectedness of nature and technology, realizing that just like the cloud stored
and shared information, living organisms connected and adapted to their surroundings.

63
With their understanding deepened, Raymond's students eagerly contributed their own
ideas, sparking a lively discussion that transcended the boundaries of their physical
classroom.
The use of triangulation and trisociation techniques has allowed us to create
diverse and engaging stories by connecting concepts in unique ways. By randomly
selecting and connecting concepts, we have generated narratives that explore various
themes and ideas, showcasing the power of language and storytelling. The concept of
triangulation opens up exciting possibilities for future storytelling. With an expanding
pool of concepts and the ability to establish connections between them, we can create
intricate and multi-layered narratives that captivate readers and ignite their
imagination. This approach enables us to weave together seemingly unrelated ideas,
uncovering unexpected connections and offering fresh perspectives.
UNCONSTRAINED TRISOCIATION
In unconstrained trisociation, none of the three trisociating concepts are
known in advance. Suppose we are looking for a novel business idea. Let us select
three incongruous concept to maximize potential novelty of the idea. Notice that
related concepts may be incongruous, for example hot and cold are incongruous but
are not unrelated. One way of selecting unrelated concepts is by selecting from
different object categories such as object, organism, occupation etc. Let us consider
{banana, mountain, pencil} to be the undrealated concepts. Now we will ask ChatGPT
for 10 business ideas that connect the three objects using the prompt: Identify ten
business ideas that incorporate all three of the following concepts: banana, pencil, and
mountain. The following ideas were obtained:
1. Banana Art Supplies: A company that specializes in creating art supplies made
from sustainable banana fibers, such as banana paper sketchbooks and banana
charcoal pencils. The company could also organize art retreats in picturesque
mountain locations.
2. Mountain Expedition Souvenirs: A business that offers custom-made pencils
engraved with mountain landscapes as souvenirs for mountaineers and outdoor
enthusiasts. They could also sell banana-themed merchandise, such as banana-
shaped keychains or banana-flavored snacks, to add a playful twist.
3. Banana Mountain Tours: An adventure tourism company that organizes guided
hiking and trekking tours in mountainous regions known for their banana
cultivation. The tours would provide participants with an opportunity to
explore banana plantations, learn about the local banana industry, and enjoy
the breathtaking mountain scenery.
4. Banana Pencil Farm: A sustainable farming business that grows both bananas
and trees suitable for pencil production. The company could manufacture
pencils using sustainable wood from their own plantation and promote eco-
friendly practices in the agricultural sector.
5. Mountain-inspired Banana Recipes: A food blog or a recipe app that specializes
in creating unique recipes using bananas and draws inspiration from mountain
cuisine. The platform could feature dishes like banana-stuffed crepes with

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mountain berry compote or banana-infused savory dishes paired with local
mountain herbs.
6. Banana Mountain Yoga Retreats: A wellness retreat center nestled in the
mountains, offering yoga and meditation sessions surrounded by banana trees.
The retreats could also provide participants with personalized pencils as a
creative outlet during their stay.
7. Banana Pencil Subscription Service: A subscription-based service that delivers
monthly curated packages to subscribers, including banana-themed items,
high-quality pencils, and stationery inspired by mountain landscapes. Each
package could feature unique designs and limited-edition products.
8. Mountain Banana Smoothie Bar: A health-conscious business that specializes in
serving nutritious banana smoothies with flavors inspired by mountain fruits
and herbs. The bar could feature a rustic mountain-themed decor,
incorporating pencil-shaped accents in its branding and interior design.
9. Banana Pencil Education Program: A non-profit organization that focuses on
promoting education in remote mountainous regions. They could distribute
banana paper notebooks and pencils to schools and students in need,
combining the concepts of sustainability, education, and mountain
communities.
10. Banana Mountain Environmental Conservation: An environmental
conservation organization that focuses on preserving mountain ecosystems and
supporting sustainable banana farming practices. They could offer educational
programs, organize mountain clean-up initiatives, and collaborate with banana
farmers to implement eco-friendly cultivation techniques.
Next, we identify a set of three triangulating concepts. For this we find concepts that
connect all three pairs of concepts from our oringal concept set.
• Biodiversity: One concept that connects the concepts "banana" and "mountain"
is biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of living
organisms within a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole. Both bananas
and mountains play important roles in supporting and preserving biodiversity.
• Peel: One concept that connects the concepts "banana" and "pencil" is the idea
of "peel." Both bananas and pencils have a peel or outer covering that can be
removed.
• Inspiration: The concept of "inspiration" connects mountains and pencils as
they both play a role in stimulating creativity, prompting us to express our
thoughts and ideas in various forms.
Next, we generated ideas by trisociating concepts from our original list with the
triangulated list using the following prompt: “Identify ten business ideas that
incorporate any three of the following concepts: {banana, mountain, pencil,
biodiversity, peel, inspiration}. Additionally, please indicate the three concepts
associated with each idea.” The following ideas appear to balance familiarity and
novelty better than the original set of 10 ideas generated by trisociating {banana,
mountain, pencil}.
1. Eco-Friendly Pencil Manufacturing (Pencil, Biodiversity, Inspiration): A pencil
manufacturing company that uses sustainably sourced materials, such as
recycled wood, to produce eco-friendly pencils. The company promotes

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biodiversity conservation and inspires creativity through its nature-themed
pencil designs.
2. Banana Adventure Tours (Banana, Mountain, Inspiration): A travel company
that offers adventure tours in tropical destinations known for their scenic
mountains and banana plantations. The tours provide thrilling outdoor
activities like hiking, zip-lining, and exploring the vibrant culture, aiming to
inspire travelers to embrace new experiences.
3. Peel-Based Fertilizer Production (Peel, Biodiversity, Pencil): A company that
collects banana peels and other organic waste to produce organic fertilizers.
This eco-friendly business helps reduce landfill waste, supports biodiversity by
promoting sustainable farming practices, and even creates pencils made from
recycled paper.
4. Mountain Retreat Center (Mountain, Inspiration, Biodiversity): A retreat center
situated amidst a picturesque mountain range, offering visitors a serene
environment to relax and find inspiration. The center organizes nature walks
and conservation workshops, promoting biodiversity awareness and
encouraging guests to reconnect with nature.
5. Inspirational Stationery Subscription Box (Inspiration, Pencil, Banana): A
subscription-based business that delivers a monthly box filled with inspiring
stationery items. Each box includes motivational quotes, creative writing
prompts, high-quality pencils, and even a healthy snack like dried bananas. It
encourages individuals to explore their creativity and find inspiration through
writing.
6. Banana-Based Health Food Products (Banana, Peel, Biodiversity): A food
company that produces a range of healthy snacks and smoothies using bananas
and other natural ingredients. The business aims to support biodiversity by
sourcing bananas from sustainable farms, and also utilizes banana peels in
innovative ways to reduce waste.
7. Mountain Photography Workshops (Mountain, Inspiration, Pencil): A
photography workshop company that organizes guided tours to picturesque
mountain locations, offering aspiring photographers the chance to capture
stunning landscapes. The workshops also include sessions on editing
techniques and creative inspiration, with participants receiving a personalized
pencil set.
8. Biodiversity Consulting Services (Biodiversity, Peel, Mountain): A consulting
firm specializing in biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management
for mountainous regions. The company offers expertise in creating strategies to
preserve biodiversity, including the sustainable use of natural resources and the
implementation of peel-based composting systems.
9. Banana-themed Art Gallery (Banana, Inspiration, Peel): An art gallery that
showcases various forms of artwork inspired by bananas and their peels. The
gallery features paintings, sculptures, and mixed media creations that celebrate
the versatility and unique aesthetic qualities of bananas, serving as an
inspiration for both artists and visitors.
10. Mountain-themed Adventure Gear Store (Mountain, Pencil, Inspiration): A
retail store that sells outdoor adventure gear with a mountain theme. The store
offers high-quality hiking equipment, climbing gear, and adventure apparel,

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along with a selection of inspirational books, journals, and pencil sets,
encouraging customers to embark on mountainous adventures.
The next set of ideas were generated by allowing associations between all the six
concepts using the prompt: “Identify ten business ideas that incorporate all of the
following concepts: {banana, mountain, pencil, biodiversity, peel, inspiration}.”
1. Eco-Trekking Adventures: Organize guided mountain treks where participants
learn about biodiversity and conservation efforts while enjoying the beauty of
nature. Participants can use banana peel-based eco-friendly pencils for note-
taking during the trek.
2. Banana Peel Fertilizer: Develop a business that collects discarded banana peels
from restaurants and households, and processes them into organic fertilizer.
The fertilizer can be marketed to gardeners and farmers, emphasizing its
positive impact on biodiversity.
3. Mountain-inspired Art Supplies: Create a line of artist-grade pencils and
sketchbooks featuring intricate mountain-themed designs. The products can
serve as a source of inspiration for artists while promoting the importance of
preserving biodiversity in mountainous regions.
4. Inspirational Banana Recipe App: Develop a mobile app that provides users
with creative and healthy recipes using bananas. The app can include
inspirational stories related to banana farming, biodiversity conservation, and
the importance of peel recycling.
5. Biodiversity Consulting: Start a consultancy service that helps businesses and
organizations develop sustainable practices to protect biodiversity. The service
can include providing resources like banana peel-based composting solutions
and inspiration for incorporating biodiversity conservation into their
operations.
6. Mountain Retreat and Wellness Center: Establish a wellness center in a
picturesque mountainous location. Offer a range of services such as yoga
classes, meditation sessions, and inspirational workshops that focus on
biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Serve healthy banana-based snacks
and drinks.
7. Banana Peel-based Packaging: Develop eco-friendly packaging solutions using
banana peels as a raw material. This innovative packaging can be used for
various products, including pencils, to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
8. Biodiversity-themed Children's Book: Write and publish a children's book that
combines elements of adventure, mountain exploration, and biodiversity
conservation. The story can feature characters using banana peel-based pencils
as they embark on a mission to protect their natural environment.
9. Inspirational Mountain Apparel: Create a clothing brand that offers outdoor-
inspired apparel with designs showcasing mountains and biodiversity. Each
purchase can include a banana-themed pencil as a symbol of sustainable
creativity and inspiration.
10. Peel-based Cosmetics: Develop a line of organic cosmetic products that utilize
banana peel extracts known for their natural benefits. Emphasize the
connection between healthy skin, mountain-inspired ingredients, and
biodiversity conservation in the product branding and marketing.

67
The above approach demonstrates how, by starting with incongruous concepts,
one can identify ideas that strike a balance between novelty and familiarity using
triangulating concepts. Next, we can explore a 'T'-shaped linkage between the
trisociating terms. For example, in the case of {mountain, banana, pencil}, we first
identify a triangulating concept between any pair, such as {banana, pencil}. The word
we obtain is 'peel.' Next, we find a triangulating concept between the third word in our
original list and the triangulating concept for the first pair. In this case, we want a
word that connects both 'peel' and 'mountain.' The word we obtain is 'erosion.' The
ideas generated by associating the original trisociating concepts and triangulating
concepts create a pentasociation {mountain, erosion, peel, banana, pencil}. The
following jokes are generated using this association with the prompt: "Generate 10
jokes that connects all the following concepts: {mountain, erosion, banana, peel,
pencil}."
1. Why did the mountain go to therapy? Because it had severe erosion issues and
couldn't handle the emotional peaks and valleys!
2. What did the banana say to the mountain? "I'm all peeled out! Let's split before
erosion crumbles your style!"
3. Why did the pencil refuse to hike up the mountain? It was afraid of getting
eroded by all the sharp granite!
4. What's a mountain's favorite fruit? A banana, because it knows the peelings of
joy!
5. Why did the mountain try to write with a pencil? It wanted to make its mark
before erosion erased its legacy!
6. Why did the banana break up with the mountain? It couldn't handle the
constant erosion of their relationship. It was a slippery slope!
7. What did the mountain say to the pencil? "You've got a sharp point, but I've got
a peak that's hard to erode!"
8. Why did the banana always carry a pencil when climbing a mountain? It
wanted to jot down all the peelingly beautiful views!
9. How do you make a mountain laugh? Tickling its rocky sides until it starts
eroding with laughter!
10. Why did the pencil become best friends with the mountain? They bonded over
their shared fear of erosion. Pencil said, "I'm erasable, but you're irreplaceable!"
Next, we will describe the application of two successive triangulations to enhance
the familiarity of ideas generated by trisociating sets. Let's begin with a set of three
incongruous concepts that are semantically distant from each other. We will refer to
these concepts as A, B, and C. Therefore, our initial trisociation set is {A, B, C}. Since
these elements are incongruous, we can expect novel ideas, albeit not familiar, by
associating these concepts.
To increase familiarity, we employ the triangulation method, wherein we identify
concepts that connect pairs within the original set. For instance, D represents a single
concept word that connects A and B; E is a single concept word that connects B and C,
and F is a single concept word that connects C and A. We continue this process for an
additional step, identifying G as a concept word connecting D and E, H as a concept
word connecting E and F, and I as a concept words connecting F and D. Consequently,
we obtain the set of concept words {A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I}, which we will utilize to

68
generate ideas that are both novel and familiar. Let's illustrate the process of two
successive triangulations using the concepts A = 'silver,' B = 'panda,' and C = 'stone.'
• First Triangulation:
o D connects A and B: D = 'metal'
o E connects B and C: E = 'animal'
o F connects C and A: F = 'hard’
• Second Triangulation:
o G connects D and E: G = 'wildlife'
o H connects E and F: H = 'tough'
o I connects F and D: I = 'precious'
After the second triangulation, we now have the extended set of concept words:
{silver, panda, stone, metal, animal, hard, wildlife, tough, precious}. This expanded set
can be used to generate ideas that are both novel and familiar. By combining these
concepts in various ways, you can generate a range of associations and ideas that
incorporate the familiarity introduced by the triangulation process. For example, here
are 10 novel product ideas generated by associating the concepts in the list.
1. SilverPaw Pendant: A delicate silver pendant in the shape of a panda paw,
representing the precious bond between humans and wildlife.
2. StoneGuard Water Bottle: A durable water bottle made of tough stone material,
featuring a wildlife-inspired design for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. PreciousMetal Safari Binoculars: High-quality binoculars with a silver metal
frame, designed for wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate both precision and
elegance.
4. ToughLux Leather Wallet: A sleek and robust leather wallet with a silver metal
accent, perfect for those seeking a combination of style and durability.
5. PandaPrint Throw Blanket: A cozy throw blanket featuring an adorable panda
print, made from soft and luxurious materials for comfort.
6. Wildlife-Inspired Silver Earrings: Exquisite silver earrings with intricate designs
inspired by animals in the wild, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
7. MetalGuard Phone Case: A rugged phone case made from tough metal
materials, providing superior protection for your precious device.
8. StoneEssence Aromatherapy Bracelet: A stylish bracelet made of stone beads,
infused with essential oils, offering a unique sensory experience inspired by
nature.
9. PreciousCreature Sculpture: Handcrafted sculptures made of precious metals,
capturing the beauty and grace of various wildlife species.
10. ToughLuxe Adventure Backpack: A durable and stylish backpack made from
tough materials, designed for outdoor adventurers who value both functionality
and fashion.
These product ideas combine different concepts from the list to create unique and
innovative offerings. As a second illustration, we start with a set of three incongruous
concepts: A = 'music,' B = 'basketball,' and C = 'space.' To increase familiarity, we
perform the first triangulation by identifying concept words that connect pairs within
the original set:
• First Triangulation:

69
o D connects A and B: D = 'rhythm'
o E connects B and C: E = 'gravity'
o F connects C and A: F = 'cosmic'
• Second Triangulation
o G connects D and E: G = 'motion'
o H connects E and F: H = 'universe'
o I connects F and D: I = 'harmony'
After the first triangulation, we have the following extended set: {music, basketball,
space, rhythm, gravity, cosmic}. After the second triangulation, we have the final
extended set: {music, basketball, space, rhythm, gravity, cosmic, motion, universe,
harmony}. We then gave the following prompt: Generate a humorous 200-word short
story by associating the following concepts in this list: {music, basketball, space,
rhythm, gravity, cosmic, motion, universe, harmony}
Once upon a time in a cosmic basketball court far, far away, a team of intergalactic
musicians came together to prove that music and sports could be a harmonious blend.
The Space Jammers, as they called themselves, were known for their out-of-this-world
tunes and gravity-defying moves. As the game began, the Space Jammers took to the
court with a rhythm that could make the universe dance. Their opponents, the Planetary
Dunkers, were no match for their cosmic talents. The basketball flew through the air,
defying gravity with each shot. It seemed like the laws of motion themselves were in awe
of the spectacle unfolding. The Space Jammers' leader, DJ Astrobeat, orchestrated the
game with his music, turning the court into a cosmic dance floor. With every dribble, the
ball bounced to the beat, and with every dunk, the universe let out a resounding cheer.
But it wasn't just about the music; the team's understanding of the universe gave them
an edge. They used the planets' gravitational forces to propel themselves higher,
executing mid-air spins and flips that left the audience awestruck. In the end, the Space
Jammers emerged victorious, their music and basketball skills captivating fans across the
universe. The game was a testament to the power of rhythm and motion, a reminder that
even in the vast expanse of space, harmony could be found in the most unexpected
places.
CONSTRAINED TRISOCIATION
In various scenarios, it is often the case that two out of three trisociating
concepts are known, and there is a desire to explore their relationship or find a
solution to a particular problem. For instance, let's consider the objective of enhancing
the customer experience at a restaurant, which can be represented by the concepts
{restaurant, experience}. In this situation, we can employ an approach that involves
introducing a random third concept, such as 'popcorn,' in order to stimulate creative
thinking and generate ideas.
One way to utilize this approach is by directly introducing the random concept,
'popcorn,' into the problem space. By doing so, we broaden the scope of exploration
and encourage connections between the known concepts. This expanded conceptual
space can then serve as a starting point for generating ideas. For example, we can ask a
Language Model (LLM) to provide insights, suggestions, or potential solutions related
to the interplay between the concepts {restaurant, experience, popcorn}. Alternatively,

70
we can adopt a triangulation approach to further explore the relationship between the
three known concepts: {restaurant, experience, popcorn}. This method involves
identifying additional concepts that are related to all three pairs of known concepts.
By finding concepts that are connected to each pair, we can obtain a new set of
concepts that encapsulate the essence of the original problem. For instance, through
triangulation, we may discover that the concepts {snack, theatre, dining} are
associated with {restaurant, experience, popcorn}.
To illustrate this process, let's imagine we have a restaurant that offers a unique
cinematic dining experience where customers enjoy their meals while watching a
movie. By introducing the random concept 'popcorn' into the equation, we create an
opportunity to explore the relationship between the restaurant, the customer
experience, and the act of consuming popcorn. The LLM can then provide ideas on
how to improve the customer experience in this particular context, potentially
suggesting concepts like personalized popcorn flavors, interactive dining menus
inspired by movie themes, or even novel ways to serve popcorn during the cinematic
dining experience. On the other hand, using the triangulation approach, we aim to
identify concepts that relate to all three pairs of known concepts: {restaurant,
experience, popcorn}. Through this process, we might uncover concepts like 'snack,'
'theatre,' and 'dining,' which capture the core elements that connect the restaurant,
the customer experience, and the act of consuming popcorn. These concepts can serve
as valuable insights for further exploration or solution generation. For example, we
might explore the idea of incorporating snack options beyond popcorn, introducing
elements of theater-like ambiance to enhance the overall experience, or reimagining
dining arrangements to create a more engaging environment for customers.
The approach of introducing a random third concept or employing
triangulation allows us to expand the problem space and uncover new connections
and ideas. Whether we directly introduce a random concept like 'popcorn' to stimulate
creative thinking or use triangulation to identify concepts related to all three pairs of
known concepts, these techniques can be valuable tools for exploring relationships
and generating innovative solutions in various problem-solving scenarios.
MEDIATED TRIANGULATION
Mediation refers the reconciliation of two opposing concepts using a third
mediating concepts. Let’s take two opposing concept {hot, cold}. To find a mediating
concept, we can find a third concept that connects {hot and cold}. Some of these
concepts include temperature, thermodynamics, weather, sensation, climate,
homeostasis, and energy. Beyond simply trisociating the three concepts, we can
identify a third external concept such as ‘shoe.’ Suppose, we are interested in
identifying a novel concept for a shoe. We can first triangulate the concept of ‘shoe’
with {hot, cold, homeostasis} to get {sandal, insulation, balance}.
For the prompt: “Generate a product description for a shoe that associates the
following concepts {hot, cold, homeostasis, sandal, insulation, balance}” we get the
following product description: “Experience the revolutionary Hot-Cold Homeostasis
Sandals, where comfort meets innovation. These sandals offer temperature control,
insulation, and balance. With advanced technology, they regulate your feet's
temperature in any weather, keeping them cozy or cool. The sandals feature insulation

71
for warmth in winter and heat prevention in summer. Their ergonomic design ensures
stability and support, making each step natural and comfortable. Not only functional,
these sandals also boast stylish designs, elevating your fashion game. Embrace the
perfect balance of comfort and style with the Hot-Cold Homeostasis Sandals, and
enjoy year-round comfort for your feet.”
The third concept can also serve as an opposite to the first two concepts. For
instance, let's select a random concept, A. Next, we need to identify a concept, B, that
is opposite or antithetical to A. Finally, we should identify a third concept, C, that is
opposite or antithetical to both A and B. By associating the three concepts {A, B, C},
we can generate ideas and explore their relationships. Here are some examples of
business ideas and jokes:
1. {speed, slow, precision}: Precision Coaching: This business idea focuses on
offering specialized coaching services to individuals or teams who want to
excel in activities that require precision and accuracy, such as archery,
chess, or surgery. The coaching approach emphasizes the importance of
slowing down, being deliberate, and paying attention to detail to achieve
optimal results.
2. {traditional, modern, Avant-garde}: Avant-garde Fashion Boutique: This
business idea involves opening a fashion boutique that caters to individuals
who appreciate cutting-edge and unconventional styles. The boutique offers
a carefully curated selection of avant-garde clothing, accessories, and
designs from emerging fashion designers worldwide. The concept combines
elements of both traditional and modern fashion, providing customers with
unique and trendsetting options.
Here are some examples of jokes generated:
3. {sunshine, rainstorm, umbrella}: Why did the sunshine break up with the
rainstorm? Because they just couldn't weather the stormy relationship, but
luckily, they both found comfort in an umbrella!
4. {happiness, misery, indifference}: Why did the happiness, misery, and
indifference compete in a race? Because they wanted to see who could reach
the finish line first. Happiness (A) was too busy enjoying the journey, misery
(B) was too caught up in complaining about the challenges, and indifference
(C) just wandered off in a different direction!
5. {sunshine, rainstorm, eclipse}: Have you heard about the eclipse who always
wanted to be the center of attention? Well, it turns out the sunshine and
rainstorm couldn't agree more on that one!
ANALOGICAL THINKING
Trisociation can be a useful tool in the process of analogical thinking by
expanding the range of connections and associations between different concepts.
Analogical thinking involves finding similarities or relationships between seemingly
unrelated ideas or domains. Trisociation allows for the exploration of multiple
connections simultaneously, which can lead to novel insights and creative solutions.
To apply trisociation in analogical thinking, you can follow these steps:

72
1. Identify the main concept or problem you are trying to tackle. Let's say you're
trying to come up with new ideas for a marketing campaign for a brand of
‘soup’.
2. Select three independent concepts or domains that are seemingly unrelated to
the main concept. For example, you could choose “ocean,” and “clock”
3. Explore the characteristics, features, or associations of each concept. For
instance, the ocean can be associated with vastness, depth, fluidity, life, and
unpredictability. The clock can be associated with time, precision,
measurement, and structure.
4. Start making connections and analogies between the main concept (marketing
campaign) and each of the three chosen concepts. Consider how the
characteristics of the ocean and clock, and garden could relate to the concept of
soup.
5. Once you have identified the characteristics and associations of each chosen
concept, you can begin mapping them onto the main concept or problem you
are trying to tackle. For example, with the "soup" marketing campaign, you
could draw connections between the vastness and depth of the ocean and the
diverse range of flavors and ingredients in the soup. The fluidity of the ocean
could inspire ideas about how the soup can adapt and cater to different tastes
and dietary preferences. The precision and measurement associated with a
clock could spark ideas about emphasizing the quality and precise cooking
techniques used in preparing the soup.
DISCUSSION
The method of trisociation is a valuable cognitive tool that enables individuals
to unleash their creative potential and drive innovation. By combining three
conceptually related or distant elements, trisociation fosters associative thinking,
cognitive flexibility, and divergent thought processes. Understanding and applying the
principles of trisociation can empower individuals and organizations to tackle
challenges, explore new opportunities, and revolutionize the way they approach
creativity and innovation.
However, there are several unanswered questions surrounding the concept of
trisociation that warrant further exploration. Firstly, it remains unclear how the
semantic closeness of concepts impacts the effectiveness of trisociation as a creative
method. Investigating the degree of relatedness between concepts and its influence on
the trisociation process could shed light on the optimal conditions for generating
innovative ideas. Secondly, it is essential to compare human performance on
trisociation tasks with existing AI tools. Understanding how humans fare in
comparison to AI algorithms when applying the trisociation method can provide
valuable insights into the unique cognitive abilities and limitations of both human
ideators and AI systems. Additionally, exploring the potential collaboration between
humans and AI tools in utilizing trisociation may uncover new possibilities for
enhancing creative outcomes.
One of the reasons why trisociation may be less popular is its inherent difficulty
in effectively leveraging jump-off points—the initial concepts or stimuli used for idea
generation. However, with advancements in AI technologies, the exploration of these

73
jump-off points can be significantly improved. AI tools can assist human ideators in
exploring a broader range of concept combinations, facilitating the discovery of
unexpected connections and increasing the effectiveness of trisociation as a creative
method. On the other hand, the method of quadsociation appears less promising due
to the substantial number of constraints involved. The complexity of incorporating
four concepts simultaneously may impede the generation of novel and viable ideas. As
such, trisociation, with its focus on three concept associations, may offer a more
manageable framework for creative exploration.
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