Obscure Features
Skate or Swim? The development of skateboarding is a fantastic example of overcoming functional fixedness. (Prints available at here)
Stumped on how to execute a logo, create an illustration, or simply solve an everyday problem? The answer may already be in front of you.
Functional fixedness, a term coined by Gestalt psychologist Karl Dunker in the 1930s, refers to the ability only able to see conventional uses for the object. This inability to fully view all the potential functions and features of an object can prevent the development of simple solutions and innovation. Fortunately there's way to combat this.
The Obscure Features Hypothesis developed by Anthony McCaffry, a post doctoral researcher, proposes that by identifying "a new or infrequently observed feature," it is possible to then apply this feature to solve a problem. In this case the feature could be any property of the object ranging from size to shape. The development of modern skateboarding in the 1970s is a perfect example of using an object in an unconventional way. 99% Invisible's podcast The Pool and the Stream describes how the rounded shapes of empty pools during a Californian drought resulted in a renewed interest and revolution in skateboarding. The ability to notice the smooth geometry of these kidney shaped pools and apply. Development in art and creative work also benefits from the process described by the Obscure Features Hypothesis.
So how does the artist fend off functional fixedness and seek out obscure features? Here are some tips based on McCaffrey's research that can help:
- List the Object's Features: In this case "the object" could be anything from the medium used, such as oil paint or clay, to the forms of letters. Start by listing all the properties of a given object such as shape, size, material, and weight.
- Decompose the Object: To avoid simply sticking to the typical features associated with the use of the chosen object, try decomposing the object into its most basic parts using McCaffrey's Generic Parts Technique (GPT). To completely distill the object into it's essential parts, these parts should have no association with their function and also include the materials that make them up. For example, in his research he first distills a candle into a wick and wax and then further into "long interwoven fibrous strands" and "cylindrically-shaped lipids."
- Explore Different Verbs: By associating a particular object with a limited set of verbs we limit the potential applications for that object. For instance oil paint might initially only conjure the idea of painting. By identifying different verbs associated with the problem you are trying to solve, in this example perhaps covering a canvas, it's possible to find new methods of application for the paint such as splattering, dabbing, or pouring.
- Practice: Such a process is a bit challenging at first, but by repeatedly trying it with new things it's possible to improve the ability to identify obscure features.
This process seems to work best for finding new mediums to work with or making functional pieces; however, it could even potentially be used for addressing a topic of an illustration, such as family. In this case deconstructing the "object" could include distilling the subject into its most basic components or even looking up its dictionary definition.
Is this a process you've used or would trying? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
Learn More
The Pool and The Stream: The podcast by 99% Invisible explains how a European pool design ultimately lead to the development of skateboarding in California. This podcast inspired this post!
The Obscure Features Hypothesis for Innovation: An excerpt from Anthony McCaffrey's dissertation on the subject
Behind every innovative solution lies an obscure feature: A scholarly article by McCaffrey and Lee Spector on obscure features and their development of computer software
Harvard Business Review: On Harvard Business Review McCaffrey discusses the topic and its implications from everything from innovation to saving Titanic passengers