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Creating Creativity for Everyone

User Interfaces for Supporting Innovation​

Introduction​

This paper by Ben Shneiderman explores the role of user interfaces in fostering creativity across different fields. It introduces the "genex" framework—standing for "Generator of Excellence"—designed to support creativity in a structured manner. By focusing on evolutionary creativity (incremental and widespread innovation), the paper highlights how information technology can aid the creative process for a broader audience.

Target​

The research applies broadly to both desktop and touch interfaces, as it focuses on general digital tools and methodologies that foster creativity.

Key Insights​

  • Genex Framework for Creativity:
    • Collect: Access digital libraries to learn from previous work.
    • Relate: Engage with peers and mentors throughout the creative process.
    • Create: Develop, refine, and evaluate potential solutions.
    • Donate: Share final outputs to contribute back to the community.
  • Three Perspectives on Creativity:
    • Inspirationalism: Emphasis on "Aha!" moments, brainstorming, and lateral thinking.
    • Structuralism: Emphasis on methodical approaches and rigorous problem-solving techniques.
    • Situationalism: Emphasis on social context and community-based validation of ideas.
  • Eight Key Activities for Creativity Support:
    • Searching and browsing digital libraries.
    • Consulting with peers and mentors.
    • Visualizing data and processes.
    • Engaging in free associations to spark ideas.
    • Exploring solutions through "what if" simulations.
    • Composing artifacts and performances.
    • Reviewing and replaying session histories.
    • Disseminating results through digital channels.

Supporting Data​

  • Studies highlight that providing categorical cues can improve idea generation better than unguided web browsing.
  • Real-world examples, such as Spotfire's data visualization for pharmaceuticals, illustrate the potential of visualization tools in supporting detailed and complex creative work.

Other Insights​

  • Risks of Genex: While supportive, genex could potentially restrict imagination by over-reliance on previous work or limit creativity to what existing tools allow.
  • Practical Case Study: An architectural design scenario illustrates how an integrated genex environment could support various stages of a creative project from conceptualization to execution.

Practical Applications​

  • Integrate Comprehensive Search and Browsing Tools: User interfaces should support detailed exploration of digital libraries with advanced relevance controls and sorting options.
  • Promote Collaborative Tools: Software should facilitate synchronous and asynchronous collaboration with experts and peers.
  • Develop Visualization Tools for Rapid Iteration: Data visualization and simulation tools should allow for intuitive manipulation and analysis, which can then be easily embedded into further analysis or presentations.
  • Support Template and Exemplar Libraries: Providing structured exemplars and customizable templates can streamline the creative process.
  • Encourage Archival and Sharing: The genex framework's "Donate" phase can be realized by offering seamless methods for creators to archive, annotate, and share their work, potentially inspiring others.

Reference​

Shneiderman, B. (1999). Creating Creativity for Everyone: User Interfaces for Supporting Innovation. Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland.