Evolving improvised ideation from humour constructs: A new method for collaborative divergence

Abstract

This paper reviews and applies key principles from improvised comedy (“improv”) to overcome common barriers in effective group ideation, resulting in the formulation and presentation of a new creative idea generation method. The emergence of an innovative product design can be compared to the telling of a funny joke: both combine seemingly unconnected ideas in a way that is both surprising and satisfying. Our research expands upon this link between humour and creativity, and operationalizes the improv principles best suited to the conceptual design process. A workshop‐based methodology was used to select, develop, and refine the method protocol and facilitation technique. Participant feedback and observations have demonstrated how this approach can expand the solution space to support the generation of bold, innovative ideas. Finally, we present a step‐by‐step guide for the new “design improv” method and discuss its potential value in the generation of creative ideas in a group ideation context.

The users' perspective on how creativity techniques help in the idea generation process—A repertory grid study

“…This finding provides a novel perspective as existing research suggests that creativity techniques predominantly focus on stimulating cognitive processes (Smith, 1998) while visual processing receives limited attention (e.g., Linsey et al, 2011). Moreover, emotional aspects of creativity techniques have been studied rarely so far (e.g., Hatcher et al, 2018; Yang & Hung, 2015) and should consequently attract more attention in future research.…”

Pro‐active neutrality: The key to understanding creative facilitation

“…A common and important means for improving team creativity in practice is group facilitation (e.g. Hatcher et al, 2018; Oxley et al, 1996), where a trained facilitator assists the team through the creative process. In the light of the organizational and creativity management literatures, facilitation can be seen as a key means to manage and organize creativity in the workplace (Dubina, 2006; Mejias, 2007).…”

Constraining Design: Applying the Insights of Cognitive Work Analysis to the Design of Novel In-Car Interfaces to Support Eco-Driving

“…This approach is perhaps best popularized by Fabricant's (2009) phrasing that "Designers are in the behaviour business" [25]. The search for novel approaches to design is of growing interest to researchers [26,27]. One design approach that may be of value in this pursuit is the design with intent (DwI) toolkit [25].…”