Objects
Functional fixedness can be demonstrated by giving people a task to complete with a set of objects. The objects are given to participants in a tray. The task is designed such that a solution requires the tray itself. People tend to assume the tray isn't to be used and therefore can't complete the task.Garbage
Throwing out useful things because they are garbage. For example, a chef throws out a pickle jar when the pickles are gone and then goes out to purchase a similar jar to hold sugar.User Interfaces
Users develop strong expectations for how user interfaces work such as buttons on an app or a steering wheel in a vehicle. As such, it is a common design principle to design things for intuitive use for reasons such as safety and customer satisfaction.Experience
Functional fixedness can be used to create entertaining or interesting environments such as games or installation art. For example, it feels strange to walk into a room where there is furniture on the ceiling.| Overview: Functional Fixedness | ||
Type | ||
Definition | A limit to creativity whereby people can't see beyond the usual functions of something. | |
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