A pragmatic perspective on visual representation and creative thinking

Bibliographic Data

ID18977508
AuthorsLee Martins (0000-0003-3178-8999, corresponding author), Lee Martin (0000-0002-3036-5460), Daniel L Schwartz (0000-0002-5578-8312)
Year2014
Volume29
Issue1
Pages80-93
Publication date2014-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueVisual Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1472-586X • E-ISSN: 1472-5878
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1472586x.2014.862997
OpenAlexW2090130912
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited42

This paper offers a cognitive analysis of how visual representations can increase the chances of creativity, while also considering the ways in which they might hinder it. Specifically, it presents four cognitive mechanisms of creativity supported by visualisation: reinterpretation, abstraction, combination and mapping. Each process is described, analysed for potential benefits and pitfalls, and illustrated with examples. Although none of these processes guarantees creativity, together they can increase the odds of a creative moment. The paper concludes with a discussion of how to best prepare people to make use of visuals to support creative thought

Abstraction · Aesthetics · Art · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Creativity · Creativity technique · Epistemology · Odds · Reinterpretation · Sociology · Computer Science · Creativity in Education and Neuroscience · Design Education and Practice · Psychology · Social Psychology · Visual and Cognitive Learning Processes · Artificial Intelligence

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