FlexMind: Scaffolding Flexible Ideation Workflows with AI in Creative Problem-Solving

2025-09-15

AI Summary

Divergent thinking in creative problem solving exhibits strong nonlinearity, yet existing tools struggle to balance structured guidance with open-ended exploration. Method: We propose a human-AI collaborative dynamic workflow framework enabling flexible transitions among searching, ideating, and evaluating activities. It introduces a three-tier, on-demand AI assistance mechanism: (1) high-level conceptual schema guidance, (2) creative risk identification, and (3) regulation suggestions aligned with user intent—jointly preserving coherence and user autonomy. The system integrates generative AI with interactive design principles to enable real-time, intent-adaptive suggestion generation. Contribution/Results: Empirical evaluation demonstrates significant improvements in creative efficiency, output quality, and pathway diversity, while enhancing the fluency and depth of divergent thinking processes.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Intelligent User Interfaces
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Computational Creativity
• Search and Optimization: Metareasoning and Metaheuristics

Application Category

• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Architectures and workflows that use LLMs for crowd work
• Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactions
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Agentic search

Abstract

Divergent thinking in the ideation stage of creative problem-solving demands that individuals explore a broad design space. Yet this exploration rarely follows a neat, linear sequence; problem-solvers constantly shift among searching, creating, and evaluating ideas. Existing interfaces either impose rigid, step-by-step workflows or permit unguided free-form exploration. To strike a balance between flexibility and guidance for augmenting people's efficiency and creativity, we introduce a human-AI collaborative workflow that supports a fluid ideation process. The system surfaces three opt-in aids: (1) high-level schemas to uncover alternative ideas, (2) risk analysis with mitigation suggestions, and (3) steering system-generated suggestions. Users can invoke these supports at any moment, allowing seamless back-and-forth movement among design actions to maintain creative momentum.

Problem

• Scaffolding flexible ideation workflows with AI
• Balancing flexibility and guidance in creative problem-solving
• Supporting fluid transitions among design exploration actions

Innovation

• Human-AI collaborative workflow for fluid ideation
• Three opt-in aids for flexible creative support
• Seamless movement among design actions maintained