Sometimes, a good idea already exists, but not in the domain in which you're working.

Given a known design concept or idea, think of similar designs that works in an entirely different situation. Then try to pull that other thing into your current situation.

For instance, if you're working on an underwater design intervention, then think about designs that work in the air; or if you're working with mixing chemicals for pharmaceuticals, then think about mixing ingredients for baking.

Some examples include:

• “An ATV for urban transportation.”
• Notebook covers made of metal rather than paper or plastic, that are reminiscent of the protective cases of “notebook computers.”
• You want to keep your swimming pool water clean without chemicals. UV radiation has been used for public water supply purification. As the cost and size of UV installations has decreased, it has become possible to take the idea of UV sterilization out of the municipal water supply context and into that of single family residences.