Abstract
Analogy in problem solving is similarity-based reasoning facilitated by verbal and visual operation. This similarity-based reasoning generally supports initial phase of idea search. Therefore, this study intends to infer the types of problem solving by tracing the analogy use of verbal and visual representation through a experimental research. According to the result of this research, the types of problem solving by analogy are classified into 'evolving', 'divergent', and 'poor conversion' type. Firstly, 'evolving type' is distinguished between 'combination type' associated different contents to develope a new design and 'transformation type' associated similar words and sketches to be continuously revised and developed. In these types usually structural analogy rather than surface analogy is used. Secondly, in 'divergent type' associated words or sketches are individually represented, and among them one design solution is selected. In this type usually surface analogy is used. Thirdly, in 'poor conversion type' interaction between verbal representation and visual representation does not go on smoothly, and the generation of idea is poor. In here surface analogy is mostly used. These findings could form the basis of skill development of idea generation and conversion in design education.