The origin of Computer-Assisted Brainstorming (CAB)
The field of Computer-Assisted Brainstorming (CAB) is still relatively young. It all
started in 1984 with the Master of Science thesis "Computer-Assisted Creativity and
the Policy Process." written by Seth Hollander, then a student at the Thayer School
of Engineering of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, U.S.A.
In his thesis, Hollander envisaged "an interactive computer program designed to
enhance creative thinking." Just one year later, in 1985, such a program, "The
Idea Generator," for which Hollander's thesis served as a blueprint, appeared on the
market.
The advantages of CAB
CAB programs don't just enhance creative thinking because of their built-in Creativity
techniques, they also offer a well-defined, goal-oriented structure.
This structure is basically as follows: Problem Statement
|
Idea Generation
|
Evaluation
Furthermore, significant time gains are achieved. It is not necessary to attend courses
in Creativity or Creative Problem Solving (CPS) or even to read books on these subjects,
for in every genuine CAB-program one or more Creativity techniques are used. Moreover,
they are employed in such a way that they enable the user to apply them instantly, thus
acquiring "Instant Creativity"!
Since the computer takes the initiative by asking questions, the much-dreaded
"Mental Blocks" are removed right away, so that the user does not lose time in
idle procrastination.
As the computer urges the user to go on, the incubation time for new ideas and creative
problem solutions tends to become much shorter than usual, so that more ideas are produced
in a shorter time span. Since, in the world of Creativity, quantity usually means quality,
higher quality ideas are likely to emerge in a CAB-session.
The computer also takes care of all note-taking and reporting, thus freeing the user
from these mundane and often time-consuming tasks. Another important plus point of CAB is
that "solo brain- storming" is possible, in which the user can brainstorm alone,
using the computer as a partner and "mind mirror." No ego trips are involved,
since the only ego present at a solitary CAB-session is the user's own. Disruption of
brainstorming sessions by ego trips of dominant, ego- wielding participants is thus
effectively prevented.
Finally, every CAB program worth its salt produces so- called "workfiles"
that not only enable the user to stop and resume a brainstorming session at any time and
place, but that also permit asynchronous brainstorming between individuals.
Asynchronous brainstorming is fundamentally different from the usual, synchronous group
brainstorming, because the participants don't have to be physically present at a certain
place and time, but can brainstorm individually and interactively with the computer at
times and places that suit them. For the first time in the history of creative thinking,
asynchronous brainstorming has become possible through the use and electronic transfer of
CAB workfiles.
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