Functional fixedness

• Its a cognitive bias that limits a person to use an object only in the way it is traditionally used.
• This concept was originated in Gestalt Psychology
• Karl Duncker defined it as being a mental block against using an object in a new way that required to solve a problem.
• This “Block” limits the ability of an individual to use components given to them to complete a task, as they cannot move past the original purpose of those components.

Example:

• Hammer vs Paperweight

Techniques to avoid:

1. Analogical Transfer: ??
2. Un-committing: ??
3. Overcoming prototypes:??
4. The generic part technique: