This thesis investigates the role of the human body in the act of creativity and by this argues for a more holistic understanding of the human experience in human-computer interaction (HCI) research. After a long period of research into the productivity and efficiency of “human computer-systems” the next frontier is in making use of compu-tation for innovation. As this is the result of human creativity, it is essential to understand how humans are creative and how they can be optimally supported in this endeavour.
We experience the world and act on it through our whole body. Recent findings in neurosciences show that all high-level thinking depends on this. Nevertheless, in our interaction with computers we are still reduced to a mind with one eye and a point&click-finger. Several alternative interaction concepts which are currently emerging within HCI research acknowledge this problem. However, they are yet without a common theme. This thesis argues that only a careful integration of the whole human being, including its body and emotions will yield satisfying and supportive workspaces that lets our creativity flourish.
Contents
Abstract
Acknowledgements
Eidesstattliche.Erklärung
List.of.Figures
List.of.Tables
- 1.Introduction
- 1.1 The use of computers today
1.2 Creativity: beyond productivity
1.3 The body
1.4 Human-Computer Interaction
1.5 Research questions and goals
2.Creativity.Basics
- 2.1 Definitions and criteria of creativity
2.2 Explanations
2.3 The creative process
2.4 Factors affecting creativity
2.5 Living creativity
2.6 Summary
3.The.Body.in.Creativity
- 3.1 Mind-body dualism in western culture
3.2 Challenges to dualism
3.3 Broadening the view
- Cognitive Science
Artificial Intelligence
Neuroscience
Developmental Psychology & Education
Medicine
Arts
Eastern self-cultivation
3.4 Relating these views to creativity
3.5 A framework
4.Creativity.and.the.Body.in.Human-Computer.Interaction
- 4.1 Supporting creativity with technology
4.2 What’s so bad about the PC?
- On the foundational level
On the cultivational level
4.3 The body as a theme in recent HCI research
4.4 Steps to a better integration
5.Experiments
- 5.1 Finding a setup for testing creativity
5.2 An empirical comparison of creativity tools
- Motivation
Experiment Design
Results
Discussion
5.3 The Touchboard
- Motivation
Idea
A first application
Design
Discussion
6.Closure
Appendix
- A.1 Intermediary Questionnaires
A.2 Closing Questionnaire
Bibliography Creativity
Body
Human-Computer Interaction
