This resource is a generative tool for creating new metaphors to help understand the world in new ways, reframe problems, generate new ideas, and imagine different futures.

New Metaphors has been developed by the Imaginaries Lab, a design research studio based at Carnegie Mellon University, and working internationally. New Metaphors is a set of 150 cards and a number of simple, fun workshop formats which enable idea generation and new ways of thinking about issues creatively, from specific problems within an interaction design or UX team or organisational context. The entire resource, including cards, worksheets, and introduction booklet, can be downloaded and the website includes additional guidance as well as a metaphor auto-generator.

The publishers intend for this resource to be applied and used in real situations, whether by designers or by anyone looking to reframe ideas or generate new approaches.