Supporting Creativity in Software Development: An Application in IT Education

Abstract

This chapter examines the potential of the application of an individual creativity-enhancing technique (called SoloBrainstorming, or SBS) to improve the level of creativity of Information Technology (IT) students in performing information system (IS) requirements determination. Requirements determination, in the context of software development, involves gaining an understanding of the underlying issues related to a business problem, and also considering potential solutions. The chapter begins with a definition of creativity, followed by an overview of strategies suggested to enhance creativity. The SBS technique is then introduced, followed by a report of empirical results from its application. Finally, we offer advice for IT education in terms of incorporating creativity-enhancing techniques into the IT course curriculum.