From generative fit to generative capacity: exploring an emerging dimension of information systems design and task performance

Abstract

Information systems (IS) research has been long concerned with improving task-related performance. The concept of fit is often used to explain how system design can improve performance and overall value. So far, the literature has focused mainly on performance evaluation criteria that are based on measures of task efficiency, accuracy, or productivity. However, nowadays, productivity gain is no longer the single evaluation criterion. In many instances, computer systems are expected to enhance our creativity, reveal opportunities and open new vistas of uncharted frontiers.To address this void, we introduce the concept of generativity in the context of IS design and develop two corresponding design considerations -'generative capacity' that refers to one's ability to produce something ingenious or at least new in a particular context, and 'generative fit' that refers to the extent to which an IT artefact is conducive to evoking and enhancing that generative capacity. We offer an extended view of the concept of fit and realign the prevailing approaches to human-computer interaction design with current leading-edge applications and users' expectations. Our findings guide systems designers who aim to enhance creative work, unstructured syntheses, serendipitous discoveries, and any other form of computer-aided tasks that involve unexplored outcomes or aim to enhance our ability to go boldly where no one has gone before.In this paper, we explore the underpinnings of 'generative capacity' and argue that it should be included in the evaluation of task-related performance. Then, we briefly explore the role of fit in IS research, position 'generative fit' in that context, explain its role and impact on performance, and provide key design considerations that enhance generative fit. Finally, we demonstrate our thesis with an illustrative vignette of good generative fit, and conclude with ideas for further research.In this theory development paper, we offer an extended view of the concept of fit in an attempt to realign the prevailing approaches to human-computer interaction design with current leading edge applications and users' expectations. Specifically, we identify an emerging dimension of task performance relating to creativity and innovativeness and explore how information systems can be fitted to enhance this dimension.It has been argued that fitting the human-computer interface and, more generally, fitting computing services to a user and an underlying computer-aided task enhances the desired outcome and has a positive effect on overall performance (Vessey & Galletta, 1991;Baecker et al., 1995;Goodhue & Thompson, 1995;Zigurs & Buckland, 1998). Although one's performance is theorized in a generalized fashion as related to any kind of a priori objectives associated with an underlying task (Daft, 1991), the literature so far focuses mainly on performance evaluation criteria that are based on measures of task efficiency, accuracy or productivity (Zhang & Na, 2004).This view of performance was sufficient in the early days ...

An integrated model of innovation drivers for smaller software firms

“…Creative cognition involves understanding the creative state of mind and creative acts in software development (Couger et al, 1993). Idea generation, or generative capacity (Avital & Te'eni, 2009a) describes 'the ability to rejuvenate, to produce new configurations and possibilities, to reframe the way we see and understand the world and to challenge the normative status quo in a particular task-driven context.' Generative capacity is improved by ideation, the evaluation, improvement and realisation of ideas (Brem & Voigt, 2009a).…”

“…The ability to generate creative ideas and solutions promoting innovation (Avital & Te'eni, 2009b;Kristensson et al, 2002;Leimeister et al, 2009;Massetti, 1996;Pisano & Verganti, 2008;Romijn & Albaladejo, 2002;Santanen et al, 2004;B. E. N. Shneiderman, 2000;Sosa, 2011) …”

“…B. Cooper, 2000;Couger et al, 1993;Maccrimmon & Wagner, 1994;Santanen et al, 2004) Creativity Support Tools The use of computerised tools designed to facilitate creativity to support innovation (Avital & Te'eni, 2009b;Maccrimmon & Wagner, 1994;Massetti, 1996;B. E. N. Shneiderman, 2000;B.…”

“…The exploitation of individual cognitive creativity for innovation (Avital & Te'eni, 2009b;R. B. Cooper, 2000;Couger et al, 1993;Maccrimmon & Wagner, 1994;Massetti, 1996;Santanen, Briggs, & De Vreede, 2004) …”

Studying the Creation of Design Artifacts

“…The utility of the artifact and the characteristics of the application -its work systems, its people, and its development and implementation methodologies -together determine the extent to which that purpose is achieved. Researchers produce new ideas that enhance generative capacity [1] and improve the ability of human organizations to adapt and succeed in the presence of changing environments. These generative ideas are then communicated as knowledge to the various IS communities [2].…”