Exploring the Role of Art in Stimulating Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving within Interdisciplinary STEM-Dominated Student Groups: Insights from Art-Related Activities at CERN IdeaSquare
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23726/cij.2025.1486Keywords:
Art in innovation, creative thinking, art strategies, problem-solving within groups, creativity and innovationAbstract
Art as a form of creative expression is increasingly recognized as a tool to break through creative barriers in the innovation process. However, there has been little research on the impact of artistic endeavours on the creative thinking and problem-solving abilities of groups comprised mostly of STEM students working on an innovation project, and how art influences the development of novel ideas and solutions. This study explores the impact of four art-related activities - creating visuals, dancing ice-breakers, listening to background music and working within the uniquely designed CERN IdeaSquare environment - on creativity and the innovation process of members in different interdisciplinary teams. A survey was conducted to assess the activities’ effects on motivation, focus, imagination and divergent thinking. The study specifically examines how students from predominantly STEM fields perceived the role of art in innovation and creativity. These activities took place during a two-week course. The paper highlights visual art as a primary driver of creative thinking, whereas other artistic activities that did not directly contribute to the end goal are considered hindrances in the creative process.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Silvia Grigorescu, Svetoslav Yordanov, Luca Chicoş, Nikodem Dudek
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