1. ¹School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Canada
2. ²Faculty of Business, Simon Fraser University, Canada

Correspondence: Alex Ivanov, School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, 14th Floor, 13450 102 Ave., Surrey BC V3T 5X3, Canada. Tel.: + 604  454 9162; fax: + 604 268 7488. E-mail: alexi@sfu.ca

Received 21 January 2006; Revised 12 April 2006; Accepted 13 April 2006; Published online 13 July 2006.

Abstract

Electronic brainstorming systems have been shown to lead to more ideas, yet unsupported face-to-face brainstorming is still widely preferred. This paper proposes a graphical user interface for a web-based system for design problem-solving or other intellective tasks involving convergent and divergent thinking. Referring to the literature on group support systems and information and knowledge visualization, the study extends features of concept mapping and synthesizes these into a prototype called the Concept Plot (CP). Based on an advertising design task, the paper shows how the CP can be collaboratively constructed in two directions, as text and pictures are uploaded onto nodes, and these nodes scaled up or down as users click to evaluate ideas. The expectation is that this integrated visualization would diminish information overload, while enhancing the social dynamics of the process. Also presented is the pilot deployment of a Flash prototype. The results were inconclusive, yet promising that a study with more participants might demonstrate the functional and affective benefits of the CP.