# Beyond Input-Output: Rethinking Creativity through Design-by-Analogy in Human-AI Collaboration

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.09423 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.09423/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 27 of its 187 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 10 Feb 2026.

## Builds on (most cited first, 27 of 27)

- [RT-2: Vision-Language-Action Models Transfer Web Knowledge to Robotic Control](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.15818/) (2023)
- [Emergent Analogical Reasoning in Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.09196/) (2022)
- [Art or Artifice? Large Language Models and the False Promise of Creativity](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.14556/) (2023)
- [Generative artificial intelligence enhances creativity but reduces the diversity of novel content](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.00506/) (2023)
- [Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.08872/) (2025)
- [Deep Generative Models in Engineering Design: A Review](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2110.10863/) (2021)
- [The Bayesian Case Model: A Generative Approach for Case-Based Reasoning and Prototype Classification](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1503.01161/) (2015)
- [Comprehensive Exploration of Synthetic Data Generation: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.02524/) (2024)
- [Learning to Make Analogies by Contrasting Abstract Relational Structure](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1902.00120/) (2019)
- [The Effects of Generative AI on Design Fixation and Divergent Thinking](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.11164/) (2024)
- [MetaCLUE: Towards Comprehensive Visual Metaphors Research](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.09898/) (2022)
- [StoryAnalogy: Deriving Story-level Analogies from Large Language Models to Unlock Analogical Understanding](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.12874/) (2023)
- [VASR: Visual Analogies of Situation Recognition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.04542/) (2022)
- [ReelFramer: Human-AI Co-Creation for News-to-Video Translation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.09653/) (2023)
- [Data-Driven Design-by-Analogy: State of the Art and Future Directions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.01592/) (2021)
- [Inkspire: Supporting Design Exploration with Generative AI through Analogical Sketching](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.18588/) (2025)
- [Textoshop: Interactions Inspired by Drawing Software to Facilitate Text Editing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.17088/) (2024)
- [NeRF Analogies: Example-Based Visual Attribute Transfer for NeRFs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.08622/) (2024)
- [Guiding Data-Driven Design Ideation by Knowledge Distance](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.10104/) (2022)
- [DiscipLink: Unfolding Interdisciplinary Information Seeking Process via Human-AI Co-Exploration](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.00447/) (2024)
- [Beyond Numbers: Creating Analogies to Enhance Data Comprehension and Communication with Generative AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.17856/) (2024)
- [Interactive Flexible Style Transfer for Vector Graphics](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.11628/) (2023)
- [Unlocking Scientific Concepts: How Effective Are LLM-Generated Analogies for Student Understanding and Classroom Practice?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.16895/) (2025)
- [BioSpark: Beyond Analogical Inspiration to LLM-augmented Transfer](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.09838/) (2025)
- [Imitation of Life: A Search Engine for Biologically Inspired Design](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.12681/) (2023)
- [Intuit: Explain Quantum Computing Concepts via AR-based Analogy](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.00835/) (2025)
- [STAR: Smartphone-analogous Typing in Augmented Reality](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2511.21143/) (2025)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [CreativeFlow: A One-to-Many Analogical Relation Transfer Method for 3D Asset Generation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2610.05167/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

While the proliferation of foundation models has significantly boosted individual productivity, it also introduces a potential challenge: the homogenization of creative content. In response, we revisit Design-by-Analogy (DbA), a cognitively grounded approach that fosters novel solutions by mapping inspiration across domains. However, prevailing perspectives often restrict DbA to early ideation or specific data modalities, while reducing AI-driven design to simplified input-output pipelines. Such conceptual limitations inadvertently foster widespread design fixation. To address this, we expand the understanding of DbA by embedding it into the entire creative process, thereby demonstrating its capacity to mitigate such fixation. Through a systematic review of 85 studies, we identify six forms of representation and classify techniques across seven stages of the creative process. We further discuss three major application domains: creative industries, intelligent manufacturing, and education and services, demonstrating DbA's practical relevance. Building on this synthesis, we frame DbA as a mediating technology for human-AI collaboration and outline the potential opportunities and inherent risks for advancing creativity support in HCI and design research.