Cognitive Antifreeze : The Visual Inception of Fluid Sociomaterial Interactions for Knowledge Creation

This pilot study investigates the idea generation process of ad-hoc pairs using external visualisations for divergent thought. The study's objective is to examine whether the perceived possibility to change visual representations of ideas impacts the cognitive persistence of pairs. A 2x2 factorial experiment with active middle to upper level management participants which operationalised the perceived changeability, or fluidity, of visual objects through manipulation of dyads' worksheet template and writing instruments was employed. The results indicate that participants' cognitive persistence towards creative thought generation is impacted upon a sociomaterial interaction. This study finds that dyads' perceived fluidity of writing instrument moderates dyads' perceived fluidity of worksheets' effect on cognitive persistence. The materials socially used by dyads influence their creativity-inhibiting need to seize upon an idea and steadfastly remain frozen to it. Fluid visual representations function as an effective cognitive antifreeze.