UPIC: Understanding the Impacts of Physical Interaction During Creative Problem-Solving by Neurotypical and Neurodiverse adult

Creative problem-solving is essential for future economic growth, but we don't fully understand how people use their physical environment to help them think creatively. When solving problems, some people like to move things around, fidget with objects, or reorganize their workspace. However, research hasn't thoroughly explored when these physical interactions help or hinder creative thinking. This project investigates how different people interact with their environment while solving creative problems. It particularly focuses on individuals with traits associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who often show increased physical activity during challenging mental tasks. While this activity is sometimes seen as disruptive, especially in settings like classrooms or offices, it might actually be beneficial in environments that support physical interaction especially for creative cognition. The research will explore two main questions. First, what conditions make physical interaction with objects helpful for creative problem-solving, and when might it be detrimental? Current theories either ignore the role of the environment or assume it's always helpful, but reality appears more complex. Second, do different people benefit differently from environmental interaction? For example, the heightened activity levels associated with ADHD might be advantageous when people can freely manipulate objects in their environment. The project will conduct experiments based on paradigms from cognitive psychology where participants solve various creative problems under different conditions. Some participants will work with physical objects they can move and manipulate, while others will work without such objects. The researchers will carefully record and analyse how people interact with these objects, using specialized cameras and movement trackers to capture detailed data about their actions. The study will include both people who identify with ADHD characteristics and those who do not, to understand how different groups might benefit from different types of environmental support. Some participants will have access to objects directly related to the problem (like letter tiles for word puzzles), while others will have access to general fidget objects. This will help determine whether any benefits come from the specific problem-related objects or from the general ability to interact with something physical while thinking. The findings could lead to important practical applications, particularly in educational and work environments. Instead of trying to suppress physical activity or viewing it as disruptive, we might better support creative thinking by designing environments that accommodate and encourage helpful forms of physical interaction. This could be especially beneficial for neurodiverse individuals, shifting focus from changing individual behaviour to creating more inclusive and supportive environments. This supports movements towards a positive model of neurodiversity. This research brings together several different fields of study - creative problem-solving, neurodiversity, and how we think using our bodies and environment. By understanding how different people use physical interaction to support their thinking, we can work toward creating environments that better support creative problem-solving for everyone, regardless of their natural thinking and working style.