Supporting Brainstorming with a Collaborative Platform or a Generative Artificial Intelligence Tool: An Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Artificial Intelligence
• Creativity Studies

Background:

• Traditional group brainstorming methods, such as whiteboard sessions, are widely used but may have limitations in supporting diverse creative outputs.
• Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools offer new possibilities for augmenting human creativity and collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a GAI tool (DALL-E) against a traditional digital whiteboard (Miro) in supporting group brainstorming.
• To investigate the impact of online versus offline environments on GAI-assisted and traditional brainstorming.

Main Methods:

• A 2x2 experimental design involved 16 groups (five members each) using either Miro or DALL-E, online or offline.
• Data collection included validated scales for affect, emotions, creative self-efficacy, technological readiness, user experience, and flow.
• Idea creativity (fluency, elaboration, flexibility, originality) was assessed by independent raters.

Main Results:

• DALL-E yielded more positive affect, aesthetic experiences, attractiveness, and novelty compared to Miro, particularly in online settings.
• Significant interaction effects were observed for user experience efficiency and flow state's union action-consciousness.
• Participants reported increased creativity and a preference for DALL-E, with online DALL-E sessions boosting idea elaboration.

Conclusions:

• GAI tools like DALL-E show significant potential to enhance and transform traditional group creativity methods.
• GAI can be a valuable asset in group collaboration, especially for online brainstorming, offering richer experiences and improved idea generation.
• Future research should explore the integration of GAI into various collaborative workflows to optimize creative outcomes.