The influence of creative space types on the design thinking process

Abstract

The design thinking process induces innovation and creativity. Modern organizations require designated workspaces to support the design thinking process. Thus, this study provides experimental evidence on the role of spatial types in influencing the creative design thinking process, namely divergent and convergent thinking. Fifty-nine participants performed divergent and convergent thinking tasks in open or private spaces. Flow state, situational interest, and presence assessed participants' task engagement. The task engagement levels in both spaces were compared using independent sample t-tests. Results revealed that flow state, situational interest, and presence were significantly higher in the open space than in the private space during divergent tasks. During convergent tasks, only situational interest was significantly higher in the private space than in the open space. In addition, results revealed a significant positive correlation between flow state and situational interest, and flow state and presence. Also, results indicated a nonsignificant positive correlation between presence and situational interest. These results contribute to understanding of the physical spaces in impacting the creative design thinking process.