A sketch is not enough: Dynamic external support increases creative insight on a guided synthesis task

David Pearson, Robert Logie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Although external representations, such as sketches, are regarded as
facilitating insight during creative synthesis and design tasks, previous
empirical studies have provided conflicting evidence in support of this role.
Here, we argue sketches are static representations that fail to fully externalise
mental imagery processes involved during creative synthesis tasks. An
experiment is reported in which participants manipulate simple alpha-numeric
and geometric shapes into patterns depicting familiar objects or symbols.
Trials were performed using either mental imagery alone, drawing
manipulations in the air with a finger, sketching manipulations on a piece of
paper, or dynamically performing the manipulations on-screen using a
graphics package. Results show the number of patterns correctly interpreted
as recognisable objects was significantly higher in the dynamic support
condition in comparison to all other conditions. Based on this finding, we
argue that static forms of external support may be less effective in supporting
creative problem-solving than previously believed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)97-112
Number of pages16
JournalThinking and Reasoning
Volume21
Issue number1
Early online date1 Apr 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jan 2015

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