Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Thesis (Master's)

Department or Program

Computer Science

First Advisor

Lorie Loeb

Second Advisor

James Mahoney

Third Advisor

Nikhil Singh

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of an AI-enhanced Mixed Reality (MR) brainstorming system, named AIMR-Brainstorm, in comparison to traditional sticky notes for creative ideation. By integrating real-time idea extraction through ChatGPT with immersive, physics-based visualizations, the system aims to transform analog brainstorming workflows into dynamic, interactive digital experiences. Using a within-subject experimental design, 30 participants engaged in paired brainstorming sessions with both AIMR and sticky notes. Quantitative measures of efficiency, engagement, creativity, and user satisfaction were collected through between-session and post-study surveys, while qualitative feedback provided additional insights into user experiences. Conclusively, while traditional sticky notes were generally preferred for their simplicity and perceived efficiency, AIMR significantly enhanced user engagement and creative output. Specifically, AIMR’s immersive elements, such as real-time word-to-idea visualization, interactive idea node linking, and physics-based interactions, were shown to elevate the brainstorming experience, although issues such as interface instability and suboptimal AI idea generation were noted. Users who favored AIMR consistently reported higher satisfaction and engagement, whereas those preferring sticky notes valued its ease-of-use and reliability. The study highlights the complementary strengths of both methods, suggesting that an ideal future brainstorming system would combine the intuitive simplicity of sticky notes with the innovative affordances of AI and MR.

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