Paper Number

2285

Paper Type

Complete Research Paper

Abstract

For creative collaboration, hybrid models promise to combine the freedom and flexibility of remote work and the inspiring interactions of in-person collaboration. Yet understanding of how design principles for virtual and physical settings are transferable to hybrid collaboration remains limited. Functionality, social-environmental affordances, and affective states are detrimental to creativity. Yet the question remains: how do these drivers need to be designed in hybrid collaboration to support the creative process? This qualitative, exploratory diary study examines creative hybrid collaboration among 20 participants of a hybrid design thinking course. The results suggest that, from a user-centered perspective, the support of creative processes in hybrid collaboration requires adequate functionalities and technical infrastructure. Further, navigating team dynamics between online and offline participants is especially challenging due to contrasting perceptions and requires social presence, psychological safety, inclusion, and rapport-building. Recommendations are given for the practical establishment of hybrid teams to foster creativity and collaboration.

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Jun 14th, 12:00 AM

Blending the Best? Fostering Creativity in Hybrid Teams

For creative collaboration, hybrid models promise to combine the freedom and flexibility of remote work and the inspiring interactions of in-person collaboration. Yet understanding of how design principles for virtual and physical settings are transferable to hybrid collaboration remains limited. Functionality, social-environmental affordances, and affective states are detrimental to creativity. Yet the question remains: how do these drivers need to be designed in hybrid collaboration to support the creative process? This qualitative, exploratory diary study examines creative hybrid collaboration among 20 participants of a hybrid design thinking course. The results suggest that, from a user-centered perspective, the support of creative processes in hybrid collaboration requires adequate functionalities and technical infrastructure. Further, navigating team dynamics between online and offline participants is especially challenging due to contrasting perceptions and requires social presence, psychological safety, inclusion, and rapport-building. Recommendations are given for the practical establishment of hybrid teams to foster creativity and collaboration.

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