Computer support for creativity: help or hindrance

[Introduction] Enhancing the conditions within which creativity is likely to be exercised is clearly very desirable. In this paper we consider the nature of creativity and the extent to which computers can assist the creative process. A general model of creativity based on the notion of "divergent" thought, is elaborated and illustrated. The validity of this model is then tested within a particular domain, electroacoustic music composition. The results of two studies are considered, the Tema project (Eaglestone 1994), in which a case study composition is analysed in depth, and a survey by Clowes (Clowes 2000) in which the attitudes of composers to current composition software is surveyed. It is concluded that these two studies largely support the validity of the authors' model of creativity.