ABSTRACT
A growth in interest in the development of computer programs to aid creative thinking problem solving took place in the 1980s. Brainstorm was typical of a number of programs designed to help people be more systematic in their thinking. Creators of computer-assisted creative problem-solving aids adopted different approaches. One such approach was reflected in the Idea Generator. The program encouraged the user to employ a fairly wide range of analogical reasoning methods. Several programs attempt to automate the process of drawing graphical outlines, mind maps and concept maps. These programs are useful for presentations and publication. There have been a number of good mind mapping programs produced commercially. The Idea Generator Plus boosts creative thinking and planning skills by dividing the problem solving process into three logical parts: defining the problem, generating ideas and evaluating ideas. Developments on the Internet have also led to the setting of social network sites and these to have facilitated the ideation process.
