Seven Factors to Foster Creativity in University HCI Projects

Abstract

This paper describes our approaches to foster creativity among students of computer science in the area of interactive virtual environments. We assume that everybody has creative potential. This potential may be covered by beliefs, experiences, and social background that hinder its use in the HCI education context. As a teacher or project coordinator, we can explicitly motivate and encourage inventive, unconventional thinking and development, give assurance, provide a supportive, save environment, and provide space to let students/co-workers discover and explore their creativity. Seven factors are identified and explained, which, in our experience, support creative, inventive thinking in HCI projects