The Power of Bisociation: Unleashing Creativity in Humor, Art, and Science

The Power of Bisociation: Unleashing Creativity in Humor, Art, and Science

Introduction:
Creativity is a fascinating and multifaceted phenomenon that manifests itself in various forms, such as humor, art, and science. To understand the underlying principles of creativity, we delve into Arthur Koestler's theory of bisociation. This theory explores the concept of integrating two frames of reference into one, leading to innovative and groundbreaking ideas. In this article, we also explore the journey of Figma, a design tool that revolutionized accessible design in a remote world, and draw parallels between their experiences and Koestler's theory.

Connecting the Dots: Bisociation in Creativity
According to Koestler, bisociation occurs when a situation or idea is perceived in two self-consistent but usually incompatible frames of reference. This integration of seemingly unrelated concepts is the essence of creativity. In the realm of humor, the pun serves as an example of bisociation, as a single phonetic form ties together two distinct meanings. Similarly, in art, the juxtaposition of different matrices creates transitory connections that evoke emotions and challenge perceptions. On the other hand, science seeks to achieve permanent integration of matrices, establishing a cumulative and hierarchical order.

The Revolution of Figma: Insights from Dylan Field
Dylan Field, the co-founder of Figma, shares valuable insights into the creative process and the importance of bisociation in his talk. Figma's journey began with the Thiel Fellowship application, where they realized that WebGL would shape the future of creative tools. Despite warnings from Aviary, a company that had previously experimented with WebGL, Field and his team believed they had a unique perspective. This highlights the significance of subjective originality in achieving objective novelty.

To better understand the market and differentiate Figma, Field turned to designers on Twitter, mapping their networks and seeking feedback. This collaborative approach allowed Figma to identify the gaps in existing tools and develop their framework of "Eliminate, Raise, Reduce, Create." However, they soon realized the need to pivot their initial strategy and focus on creating a profitable product before building a community. This shift in perspective emphasizes the importance of adaptability and learning from early mistakes.

Actionable Advice for Creativity and Accessible Design: