Work package 1: Theoretical framework
The project first developed an interdisciplinary theoretical framework to understand how the design of virtual workspaces influences creative idea generation. This framework integrates psychological theories of space with cognitive models of creativity and offers a perspective to analyze idea generation as a process influenced by emotional mechanisms. This comprehensive framework builds the foundationfor the first three empirical studies conducted in this working package. The corresponding manuscripts are currently being prepared for submission to leading journals. The conceptual foundation of the project has been established, and initial relationships have been addressed through the first empirical studies. Thus, the portion of this work package in the reporting period has been completed.
Work package 2: Empirical baseline.
Building on the theoretical framework developed in WP 1, the project developed five systematically designed workspaces and four experimental paradigms, which were implemented directly in immersive VR. In addition, an approach to the estimation of emotional states from participants' voice recordings was developed using machine learning approaches.
The environments and tasks were piloted with more than 70 participants. Subsequently, relationships were explored in three initial studies with more than 300 participants. The resulting dataset combines measures of memory structure, creative idea generation, affective states, and individual-level data. This represents the completion of the empirical baseline delineated for this working package.
Work package 3: Empirical extensions.
Building on the data of the three initial studies, the project conducted statistical analysis examining interaction effects of emotional dynamics and workspace design on creative idea generation. Initial evidence suggests that the effects of the virtual environments on idea generation depend on the interaction of workspace symbolism and emotional reactions. Extended experimental paradigms and analytical strategies are currently under preparation for the next data collection phase. This working package is thus currently in progress.
Work package 4: Affect and Creativity in VR workspaces
An in-depth theoretical focus was placed on the role of changes in emotional states for creative idea generation. The core theoretical framework was developed further towards a conceptual model of virtual environments, changes in emotions, and cognitive mechanisms. Initial empirical operationalizations of this model have been implemented in partial completion of this working package.
Work Package 5 (empirical validation using neurophysiological measures) has not yet started and is planned for the subsequent project phase.
Work package 6: Training and Knowledge Development
Training was completed in the development of VR environments, design and implementation of experimental paradigms in VR, semantic memory network analysis, and affective computing. Both Technische Universität Berlin and Georgia Institute of Technology provided continuous interdisciplinary mentoring. Leadership and career development aspects were addressed through participation in the Faculty Success Coaching Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This development was recognized through the appointment of the researcher to a junior research group leadership position at Technische Universität Berlin.
Work package 7: Project Management, Communication, and Dissemination
Data management and career development plans have been completed and implemented. A project website has been launched to communicate the project’s aims and progress to the public.
The studies conducted during the reporting phase were presented at 4 international conferences, in Boston, Atlanta, Porto, and Lucerne. A workshop on creative work in VR was conducted at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and outreach to practitioners included participation in the Best in Education Summit – XR & AI origanized by the VR/AR Association.
