Using Speech Contribution Visualization to Improve Team Performance of Divergent Thinking Tasks

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in video-conferencing software usage in businesses, universities, and schools. However, research indicates that video-conferencing can hinder creative tasks that require social presence, immediacy, and equal contribution. To address these concerns, this paper advocates the use of analytical and feedback tools to minimize the negative effects of video-conferencing. Additionally, the paper examines how computer-based creative thinking training can improve divergent thinking abilities in teams. An exploratory study was conducted using a real-time visual support system that encouraged equal participation by visualizing contribution levels. The results demonstrated that the visual support system had a positive impact on creativity performance in teams during video-conferencing meetings. These findings add to the literature on digital technology's ability to support team creativity.