The aim of this investigation is to assess how the dimensions of creativity changed over time in two groups of subjects and gauge whether or not the computer helped or hindered those dimensions. The research methodology is that of a repeated measures design which examines the ‘cognitive’ variation within the same subjects at various points in time.
Creativity is defined in the literature as the creation of ideas that are both novel and useful. As a process it can be measured using various dimensions, namely: ideation fluency, ideation variety and ideation flexibility. As a personality trait creativity is often linked to a preference for complexity, i.e. the liking of curvy non-linear shapes that are based on ellipses and a drive toward asymmetrical compositions. As a product creativity can be measured through a battery of scales for creative products. This investigation is only concerned with the creativity of the process.
The paper tracked the progress of 24 students who were intensive user of CAD and 26 occasional CAD users over a 3 year period. At the end of each year, student attitudes toward creativity dimensions were recorded using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The returns were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The Analysis of Variance test (ANOVA) produced a significant difference between both groups in terms of ideation fluency and ideation variety (P<0.05) but not on ideation flexibility. Within the intensive CAD group the ANOVA test yielded significant differences on the three variables between years (P<0.05). In other words, taking ideation fluency as an example, i.e. the number of design ideas generated with the aid of the computer the study found a gradual increase in this variable as subjects progressed from one year to the next. The preference for complexity in the intensive group also correlated with the increased complexity of digital tools- preference for low complexity correlated with the use of usual CAD and visualisation tools whereas higher levels of complexity correlated with the deployment of parametric and generative tools. The pursuit of complex façade patterns, morphed surfaces and complex grids seem to be the preferred design options for parametric facades. The study indicates that the computer as a decision support system in design does in fact affect creativity domains.