Order is for idiots; intelligent people can master chaos! Have you ever used this saying as an excuse when someone has mentioned the clutter in your office or on your desk? Maybe not at work, but surely at home. Just think of your children's bedroom and your student years.
In this context, you may be pleasantly surprised by the results of some research from the University of Minnesota, published in the Psychological Science journal and on sciencedaily.com. While a tidy desk inspires us to do what is expected of us, a messy desk enhances our creativity and ability to come up with new ideas.
A team of researchers led by psychologist Kathleen Vohs performed a series of experiments. During the first of these, participants were asked to fill in questionnaires. Half the respondents were sitting in a tidy office and the other half in an office with papers and other office equipment cluttered all around. After completing the questionnaires, the participants were asked whether they would like to contribute to a charity; in addition, they could choose a snack in the form of an apple or candy bar. It turned out that those who had been sitting in the tidy office did exactly what was expected of them: they donated more to the charity and more often chose the apple.
Another experiment focused on searching for new ways to use a ping-pong ball. Participants in both groups came up with the same number of suggestions; however, the ideas of those from the cluttered office were evaluated as more interesting and creative. Participants from the cluttered office also often chose a new product when offered a choice between a new and an old but established item. This, according to the authors of the study, suggests a tendency to overcome stereotypes.
The specific form of the clutter in the office is of no significance. The research tested six different layouts of clutter in the office and the overall results were not affected. The authors of the study predict the the same principles of behaviour in a virtual environment - while working on the Internet.
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