Leveraging Creativity as a Problem Solving Tool in Software Engineering

TL;DR

This paper explores how creativity, a vital but often overlooked skill, can be systematically integrated into software engineering to enhance problem solving, drawing on cognitive psychology research and practical perspectives for developers.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for leveraging creativity in software engineering, adapting psychological insights into practical tools for developers to improve problem solving.

Findings

Creativity can be learned and improved with practice.

Seven creative problem solving themes are identified and tailored for software professionals.

Applying creativity enhances problem solving effectiveness in software engineering.

Abstract

Today's software engineering (SE) complexities require a more diverse tool set going beyond technical expertise to be able to successfully tackle all challenges. Previous studies have indicated that creativity is a prime indicator for overcoming these hurdles. In this paper, we port results from creativity research in the field of cognitive psychology to the field of SE. After all, programming is a highly creative endeavour. We explore how to leverage creativity as a practical problem solving tool to wield for software developers. The seven distinct but intertwined creative problem solving themes unfolded in this paper are accompanied with practical perspectives, specifically geared for software professionals. Just like technical skills such as knowledge of programming languages, we believe that creativity can be learned and improved with practice.