Creative Imagination Research Articles

‘Knowledge is Power’: Literature, Invention, Radical Thinking at the London Mechanics’ Institution

On the occasion of the bicentenary of the London Mechanics’ Institution, this introduction goes back to the Baconian motto ‘Knowledge is Power’ adopted by the early proponents of mechanics’ education to reconstruct the place and function of literature in mechanic invention, practical education, and useful knowledge, against the backdrop of its emergence as an autonomous discipline of the creative imagination. Analysis of different published versions of George Birkbeck’s speech on the laying of the first stone of the lecture room in December 1824 reveals the precarious status of literature in the mechanics’ ‘Temple of Reason’ under construction: foregrounded in one version, excluded from another. Why? This intervention explores what is at stake in its inclusion or exclusion then and now, in the current predicament of the arts and humanities locally, nationally, and internationally.

Mallarmé's Poetic Creation and Quantum Physics, Epistemic and Epistemological Similarities

The pioneers of quantum physics have proven that everything is connected to everything in the universe. One of them, Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger, has pertinently summarized this reflection in a famous aphorism as follows: “The total number of minds in the universe is one. In fact, consciousness is a singularity phasing within all beings". Such interconnectedness exists not only at the level of subatomic and atomic particles, but also at the macrocosmic and supergalactic level. It can be extended to most disciplines of human knowledge as well. That is why a meticulous study shows that even epistemic areas that seem -aprioristically-incompatible with each other are -factually-cryptically connected. One of the most striking cases of such connectedness is Mallarmé's poetry and quantum physics. Indeed, the major guiding principles inherent in quantum physics are also shared by Mallarmé's poetry: The exceptional power of creative imagination, the indeterministic, probabilistic modus operandi, and quantum non-locality, to mention but a few. In this respect, the goal of our study is to underscore and analyze the kinship between Mallarmé's poetry and quantum physics and decrypt the hermeneutic, heuristic, and epistemological framework that undergirds that kinship. We will use a transdisciplinary approach to knowledge for this specific purpose.

Evaluating the visual literacy of the Kuwaiti government’s Arabic infographics during the COVID-19 pandemic: an automated visual analysis and AI approach

PurposeWith infographics emerging as key communication tools on social media platforms, this study explores the visual literacy of governments in creating effective infographics, especially during crises. Using the Kuwaiti government during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, the investigation evaluates the government’s visual competency and strategy in its infographics on X.Design/methodology/approachFor competence, AI-based techniques were employed to analyze the proportion of text region size to total infographic size, word count per infographic and the most prominent colors used. Regarding strategy, the study utilized the crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) model as a framework to examine how the Kuwaiti government integrated crisis communication response strategies into infographics.FindingsWhen communicating complex messages, the government resorted to text-heavy infographics instead of creative visualizations, casting doubt on its visual competence. The inconsistent use of colors further undermined a recognizable visual identity. Regarding strategy, infographics on crisis updates were most frequent, supporting CERC’s emphasis on reducing uncertainty. Yet, prioritizing bolstering strategies above empathy and action steps goes against the advice of existing literature.Originality/valueWhile crisis communication research is widely based on textual analysis, this study extends the literature by examining visuals, specifically infographics. Additionally, focusing on Arabic infographics from Kuwait, the study expands the crisis communication literature, which has mainly concentrated on Western countries and the English language. Given the lack of consensus on the best methods to measure visual literacy, this study’s AI approaches contribute to the literature.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2024-0172

Blow Your Mind: Exploring the Effects of Scene-Switching and Visualization of Time Constraints on Brainstorming in Virtual Reality

Brainstorming, a creative activity that aims to generate ideas, plays a crucial part in problem-solving processes and is widely employed to explore innovative solutions across various contexts. It may suffer from repetitive results, inefficient time management, and stagnation in discussion. Seeing the rich opportunities of virtual reality (VR) in visualizing the environments, we propose to use (1) scene-switching and (2) creative visualization of time constraints to facilitate this process. The current study sought to explore the effects of these two factors on brainstorming performance in VR. By conducting a mixed-method study of 20 three-participant groups, we found that scene-switching and implicit time limitations can stimulate creativity, establish diverse atmospheres, and open up new conversations during brainstorming. Additionally, we provide suggestions for visualizing time constraints and various virtual environments based on research results.

Visualisation Design Ideation with AI: A New Framework, Vocabulary, and Tool

This paper introduces an innovative framework for visualisation design ideation, which includes a collection of terms for creative visualisation design, the five-step process, and an implementation called VisAlchemy. Throughout the visualisation ideation process, individuals engage in exploring various concepts, brainstorming, sketching ideas, prototyping, and experimenting with different methods to visually represent data or information. Sometimes, designers feel incapable of sketching, and the ideation process can be quite lengthy. In such cases, generative AI can provide assistance. However, even with AI, it can be difficult to know which vocabulary to use and how to strategically approach the design process. Our strategy prompts imaginative and structured narratives for generative AI use, facilitating the generation and refinement of visualisation design ideas. We aim to inspire fresh and innovative ideas, encouraging creativity and exploring unconventional concepts. VisAlchemy is a five-step framework: a methodical approach to defining, exploring, and refining prompts to enhance the generative AI process. The framework blends design elements and aesthetics with context and application. In addition, we present a vocabulary set of 300 words, underpinned from a corpus of visualisation design and art papers, along with a demonstration tool called VisAlchemy. The interactive interface of the VisAlchemy tool allows users to adhere to the framework and generate innovative visualisation design concepts. It is built using the SDXL Turbo language model. Finally, we demonstrate its use through case studies and examples and show the transformative power of the framework to create inspired and exciting design ideas through refinement, re-ordering, weighting of words and word rephrasing.

Dialectics of perception and imagination: Embodied politics of atmosphere in Xiqiao Road, Nanjing

In the social media era, scholars tend to reduce the online digital images of cities to readable visual-centric texts dominated by ideologies such as platform capitalism and symbolic consumerism, treating symbols and affects as antagonistic. This study attempts to deconstruct this dichotomy and explain the visual-centric paradigm in digital images from the perspective of affective atmospheres based on an ethnography of 20 participants on Nanjing's Xiqiao Road. Built on atmosphere theory and material imagination theory, we suggest that an embodied politics of atmosphere is constituted by perception and imagination. Perceptions foster a holistic understanding of place among participants through peripheral visions, which is potentially consistent with the logic of online dissemination of digital images. In contrast, material imagination represents the creative pole of the body and establishes a new surface aesthetics of digital images. Faced with visual-centric notions of place in contemporary digital images, illustrating the embodied politics of the affective atmosphere can help motivate people to transcend existing paradigms and experience place through a more creative vision.

Animals in Focus: Creative and Social Imagination

Placing animals in focus through imagination and reality, we are thinking about their position in new ontological paradigms in a multidisciplinary way. The article presents the relationship between man and animal through folklore, literature, film, language, and photography. The authors derive their research from the theoretical discourses of ecocentrism, new animism, ecocriticism, semiology, antispeciesism, cognitive ethological studies, and critical animal studies.

Mindscapes of Learning: Gender, the Creative Imagery Ability, and the Embodied Nature of Academic Success

This particular study sets out to investigate thoroughly the intricate and fascinating relationship that exists between the abilities of creative imagery and the academic performance of the eighth graders; especially for the male and female learners and how they perform in relation to their imaginative abilities and academic achievement. The research was done among a total of 105 eighth-grade middle school learners which included 52 boys and 53 girls drawn from a public middle school situated in the moderate socio-cultural as well as the socio-economic context of Çanakkale, Turkey. The results of this particular study have revealed that overall, girls do much better than boys on Vividness and Transformation with significantly higher means in these two dimensions while for Originality, the findings indicate that there are no significant gender factors. As regards academic achievement, significant gender-based differences were also observed, as girls eclipsed boys in Turkish, Mathematics, and Science with overall better performance percentages. The study further showed that there is a positive relationship between the creativity capacities of male participants which implies that the high-performance levels of such students can be directly linked to their creative imagination abilities whereas this correlation was not observed in female participants.

Transforming Literacy and Social Skills through Storytelling in a Community-Based Setting

The research question of this study evaluates the impact that the storytelling tradition at Rumah Baca Rambutan has on children concerning literacy, emotions, social skills, and creativity. Through the qualitative case study, the study discovers that storytelling enhanced the children’s reading appreciation, language, and literacy learning as well as culture. Emotional literacy interconnection was also achieved through the use of storytelling since learners developed empathy and social relationships with characters. In addition, storytelling can develop creative thinking and imagination, through which children can act as main constructors of narratives what would support their cognitive flexibility and problem solving. Notably, the study enjoys the use of storytelling in the passing of cultural values of a certain group besides enhancing the sense of belonging in children. The study contributes to the knowledge that informal narrative intervention enhancing formal and community learning can promote literacy, well-being, and cultural identity when implemented in low and rural context, such as Indonesia. Implications of these outcomes for reform in education include the need to embrace cultural production approaches that are educationally relevant so as to facilitate consideration of children’s developmental experiences.

Enhancing GeoHealth: A step-by-step procedure for spatiotemporal disease mapping.

Cartography, or geographical visualization of disease is an essential aspect of the field of GeoHealth, yet there is limited guidance on the visualization of spatiotemporal disease maps. In order to adequately contribute to understanding disease outbreaks, disease maps should be crafted carefully and according to relevant cartographic guidelines. This article aims to increase the understanding of space-time visualization techniques that are relevant to the field of GeoHealth, by providing a step-by-step framework for the creation of space-time disease visualizations. This study introduces a systematic approach to spatiotemporal disease mapping by integrating operations from the Generalized Space Time Cube (GSTC) Framework with established cartographic symbology guidelines. This resulted in an overview table that contains both the relevant GSTC operations and cartographic guidelines, as well as a step-by-step procedure that guides users through the process of creating informative spatiotemporal disease maps. The practical application of this step-by-step procedure is demonstrated with an example using Dutch COVID-19 data. By providing a clear, practical step by step procedure, this study enhances the capacity of public health professionals, policymakers, and researchers to monitor, understand, and respond to the spatial and temporal dynamics of diseases.

The Connection Between Literary Images and Visual Perception in Meditative Practice

The study of practice based on visualization and the role of visualization in shaping the outcomes of contemplative practice is an overlooked research niche. The aim of this article is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the process that connects literary images and visual perception in relevant meditative practices. The key question is which elements contribute to forming this connection in contemplative practices like meditation. To gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved, the study employed a mix of primary and secondary data sources, along with analytical, descriptive, and phenomenological methods, drawing from an interdisciplinary approach that includes psychology, neuroscience, and literature. The following meditation practices were selected: contemplative meditation, creative visualization, koan meditation, imaginative meditation, creative workshops with haiku poetry as an outcome, and meditative storytelling. The identified elements in the connection between literary depictions and visual perception include mental imagery and visualization, cognitive processes, sensory processes, and emotional processes. The importance of literary techniques is particularly highlighted – using descriptive language with metaphors, similes, allegories, and other stylistic figures that create strong visual images. This connection has a neurological basis – neuroscience studies show that reading/listening to texts describing visual experiences activates brain areas involved in actual visual perception. This overlap suggests that the brain processes literary descriptions similarly to how it processes real visual stimuli. The connection between literary depictions and visual perception significantly enhances the quality of meditative practice and promotes deeper understanding and emotional-volitional engagement with the text and personal development of the meditators. Both secondary and primary data sources were used in the paper.

Creative Imagination, Justice, and Nothingness: Reflections on the “Force” in the Works of Karatani Kōjin and Nakamura Yūjiro

Abstract This paper compares the ideas of Japanese philosophers Karatani Kōjin1 (1941–) and Nakamura Yūjirō (1925–2017) on the role of “force” in shaping imagination. This idea of “force” will be examined. Notably, Karatani criticized Nakamura for trying to combine the idea of the “place of nothingness” initially introduced by Nishida Kitarō with the distinctive logic of the Japanese language, which seemed to be insular nationalism. However, this paper argues that we can shed new light on their differences regarding imagination and the idea of “force.” “Force” is the repressed impersonal that returns to the social reality, requiring us to go beyond the existing code of order. Indeed, Nakamura and Karatani explore the possibility of reconstructing the power of imagination after the end of the “grand narrative” and in the postmodern age. This paper emphasizes the role of “nothingness” and different approaches to reformulating it into the field of “force,” finding a new horizon of justice along the way. In doing so, this paper will argue that while Nakamura developed his philosophy of creative imagination in the field of “force” as the surrounding environment, Karatani limited “force” to the plane of social exchange. This comparative view can be more interactive in the age of economic and climate risks if we focus more on the philosophical genealogy of “nothingness.”

Assessing the energy system's greenhouse emissions via the health of Smart Territories and Cities

The aim of this paper is to understand how the main drivers of air pollution and greenhouse emissions impact public health in a Smart Territory — meaning a technologically integrated city or neighborhood — as well as how to design an optimized energy system model beyond only data by including the holistic experience of its people through phenomenology and ethics. We understand that a Territory and a City is a complex system where mathematical tool modeling known as Design of Experiment (DOE) and its optimization solutions are required to establish causality and identify the variables that have a broader impact on public health so that mortality rates due to air pollution are reduced. DOE's statistical branch is a novel methodology when applied to energy systems and the design of Smart Territories and Cities. Because of it, we have been able to demonstrate how energy emissions, capacity and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) affect the mortality rate and create the foundations for building fully decarbonised energy systems enhanced by mathematical solutions. However, the Cartesian approach of extrapolating from models which align themselves with economic growth alone will not solve the energy dilemma. In fact, the current energy transition project is based on outdated archetypes that lead to scary futures. To course-correct the problematic energy model of a Smart Territory, phenomenologists and creative imagination need to be cultivated and put into action together with mathematical modeling, leading to vectors of positive change and adaptation. Only then might the energy models designed to be reproducible could became ethically virtuous and therefore accepted by the Territory's co-dwellers within the chain of causalities.

The Moral Law of Ngozi Crime in Two Zimbabwean Novels: The Case of Emmanuel Ribeiro’s Muchadura (1967) and Solomon Mwapangidza’s Rebel Soldier (2013)

The modern Western-inspired Literature and Law movement has inspired African works of art in which the creative imagination perceives itself as a form of moral law. In Africa, a literature and law movement has given rise to dynamic discourses of human rights. Human rights scholars have then tended to read imaginative works with a legal handbook on the side to try to verify the veracity of legal acts in works of art. In these legal-literary perspectives, the question regarding the extent to which the literary imagination imagines itself as a source of indigenous law is undervalued. This current desktop study examines what can be gained by prefacing African and indigenous literature as the point of departure when debating the elements of a contemporary literature and law movement in Africa. My unit of analysis consists of two novels, Muchadura (You shall confess) by Emmanuel Ribeiro, and Rebel Soldier (2013) by Solomon Mwapangidza. My argument is that in the two novels the narrativisation of the ngozi crime challenges current understandings of transitional justices such as retributive, compensatory, restorative, distributive, and emancipatory justices and denies the stability ascribed to them in African legal scholarship.

Implementing an Educational Design Based on Hypermedia to Enhance Creative Imagination Among Fifth-Grade Literary Students

The research delves into the intricate design and effectiveness of hypermedia-based educational systems, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing learning processes through spatially induced learning formats and creative tools. Hypermedia, a sophisticated form of computer-based media technology, facilitates non-linear, feature-rich media interfaces that significantly augment educational content delivery. This technology transcends traditional instructional tools by embedding navigational methods tailored to diverse learning tasks and environments, thereby fostering deeper understanding and engagement among learners. In this context, the ADDIE model a structured approach comprising Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation—is crucial for the systematic development of educational programs. Each phase of ADDIE builds upon the insights gained from the previous, starting with a comprehensive analysis of training needs, followed by the design and development of instructional materials that incorporate effective strategies and media. The implementation phase involves deploying these materials through learning management systems, ensuring accessibility and alignment with educational goals. Finally, the evaluation phase seeks feedback to refine and enhance the learning modules, demonstrating ADDIE’s iterative nature and its focus on continuous improvement. Moreover, the study engages with a broader theoretical and methodological discourse, integrating perspectives from instructional design and creative imagination within the framework of hypermedia technology. This integration supports the construction of a learning environment that not only addresses theoretical knowledge but also stimulates creativity and innovation among students. The effectiveness of these instructional strategies is evidenced through rigorous assessments and evaluations, highlighting the significant impact of hypermedia on student creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall academic performance. This comprehensive approach not only validates the use of hypermedia in educational settings but also outlines potential improvements and future directions for integrating technology in learning processes, thereby contributing to the evolving landscape of educational technology and pedagogy.

Children and Abstract Art. Creating a Non-Figurative Composition by Association from a Musical Work in Preschool Age

The article views the need for integration of arts as a crucial factor for the overall aesthetic development of preschool children in the context of the synthesis between abstract painting and music. The purpose of the research is to clarify the existing direct relationship between the two types of art and their place in preschool education. Artistic perception and co-experience of abstract art are a starting point for the task of creating a non-figurative composition under the impact of a musical work. The paper includes a methodology for carrying out the specific visual form of work in preschool age and emphasizes in a systematized form the benefits of its impact that favour the development of associative thinking, creative imagination, creativity, and individuality.

Testing the Level of Creativity and Spatial Imagination in the SketchUp Program Using a Modified Urban Test of Creative Thinking

Testing the Level of Creativity and Spatial Imagination in the SketchUp Program Using a Modified Urban Test of Creative Thinking

Investigation of the Effects of Creative Imagination on Academic Outcomes in Design Programs

Imagination as the key to the creative process is one of the key components of design education that affects students' problem-solving skills and innovation. The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of creative imagination on the academic performance of students enrolled in design courses. It intends to obtain a measure of the way creative imagination affects or influences students’ performance as well as their achievements. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the correlation between creativity and performance among university students. The study collected data on creative imagination and academic performance through a survey of 350 participants drawn from five universities. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 350 participants, of which 320 were 176 males and 144 females. The research included quantitative techniques such as linear regression, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS). Further, the result of the analysis showed that imagination level has the most significant impact on academic outcomes in design programs with a strong positive effect (β=0.35, p-value = 0.04). Higher creative imagination scores had a positive correlation with grades and students' involvement. This underscores the importance of forecasting to enhance students’ performance and engagement in design programs. The strategies used in education should be utilized to supplement creativity to raise the performance and satisfaction of students.

The Role of Drama Participation in the Development of Creative Imagination Capabilities

In an era where creativity drives innovation and problem-solving, creating imaginative skills is more crucial than ever. Drama, a dynamic art form involving role-play and improvisation, offers a unique opportunity to support creative imagination. However, the specific impact of drama on enhancing imaginative capabilities has not been extensively explored. This research explores the transformative potential of drama participation on creative imagination. It seeks to uncover how involvement in drama activities can dynamically enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills. While drama is often used to foster creativity, there is a lack of clear evidence demonstrating how and to what extent drama participation affects creative imagination capabilities. The study involved 120 middle school students (ages 11-14), split into experimental (drama program) and control groups. Pre- and post-tests, such as the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) measure, were utilised to evaluate the level of creativity. Chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, and paired sample t-tests were among the statistical analyses used. The study revealed significant improvements in creativity for students participating in the drama program. Specifically, 7th graders showed the most significant increase in creativity scores, indicating a substantial effect. Engaging in drama activities can be a valuable strategy for enhancing creativity and should be considered in educational and developmental programs. Further research could explore long-term effects and the impact on different age groups.

Evaluating the Role of Psychological Factors in Enhancing Film Production Imagination

Film production is the process of creating a film, involving stages such as progress, pre-production, invention, post-production, and sharing. It encompasses planning, scripting, shooting, editing, and finalizing the film for public viewing. The process of imagination drives innovation in scripting, directing, and cinematography, resulting in unique, engaging experiences that captivate audiences with their emotive stories. The principle of this investigation is to assess how psychological factors add to enhancing imagination in film production, focusing on their impact on creative processes and outcomes. A study surveyed 680 students from college film program students to analyze their creative personality and imaginative capabilities using structured questionnaires. Key psychological constructs included Creative Self-Efficacy, Emotional Resilience, Cognitive Flexibility, and Intrinsic Motivation. The study investigated the impact of psychological factors on college cinema students' creative imagination in filmmaking, demonstrating high validity and reliability with Factor Loadings exceeding 0.76, Composite Reliability higher than 0.88, and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) range as of 0.59 to 0.67. Discriminant validity was confirmed as every construct AVE was better than its square correlations by other constructs. Psychological factors significantly influence film production imagination, fostering creative thinking and emotional depth. Understanding and harnessing these factors enhances storytelling, character development, and audience engagement, ultimately enriching the cinematic experience.