How sticky notes support cognitive and socio-cognitive processes in the generation and exploration of creative ideas

Abstract This chapter overviews the nature of creative cognition, adopting a dual-process framework whereby idea generation typically involves the operation of implicit, associative processes that drive the generation of so-called “preinventive forms”, whereas idea exploration typically involves the operation of explicit, analytic processes that develop and evaluate these preinventive forms. We propose that this framework can explain the considerable creative potential inherent in the use of sticky notes, whose intrinsic properties (e.g., smallness, cheapness and re-fixability) can support the generation and exploration of preinventive forms in surprisingly rich and flexible ways. The manner in which sticky notes can benefit both individual and collaborative creativity goes a long way toward explaining their considerable popularity in professional practice (e.g., in domains involving design and innovation). We also point to some limitations of the traditional, physical sticky note for creative cognition and suggest the potential value of digital versions of this ubiquitous creative medium.