D069

Conceptual Blending

BD05 Creativity & Innovation
Derived LayerMML-4

Version v1.2.4

Definition

The ability to combine disparate concepts into a coherent new structure without losing meaning.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Struggles to connect distant ideas; blends are shallow or internally inconsistent.

High Pole

Builds strong cross-domain bridges; produces coherent, high-leverage syntheses.

Reference

Connects ideas, but often at the metaphor level rather than structural integration.

Measure

Primary: Coherence.
Secondary: Novelty.

Measuring Methods

Cross-domain blending tasks → expert ratings of coherence and novelty.

Empirical Anchor

Conceptual blending / blending theory (Fauconnier & Turner, 2002); analogical mapping (Gentner, 1983); bisociation (Koestler, 1964).

Notes

Different from transfer (D045): transfer applies an existing principle; blending builds a new structure from multiple principles.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Conceptual Blending (HES Passport D069, v1.2.4). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/D069

BibTeX

@misc{hes_D069, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Conceptual Blending}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport D069, v1.2.4}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/D069}} }