Creative Paralysis due to Continuous Partial Attention

There's a mouthful for you! It's my new phrase, which I created following a couple of sessions on my degree course.  And it's interesting that I am posting this after a piece about how wonderful the iPhone is. 

It suddenly struck me whilst exploring the concept of 'technology and creative spaces' how we have to choose and use technology wisely. Technology and the demands of our fast-paced society could potentially stifle our ability to get on and create, innovate, or problem-solve.

I suppose it's all about focus.  It's easy to get distracted by emails, texts, Skype, Twitter and catching up on social networking sites.  It good to keep yourself informed but 'multi-attending' is turning into a way of life for many and it starts at a young age.

I see this as a huge issue for organisations as they start to employ Gen Z.  How to harness their energy, curiosity and creativity whilst keeping them focussed on the task in hand?

My friend, Jackie, is a big fan of Mindfulness and my business partner, Roger doesn't go in for mobile technology.  What else can we do?

What a legacy Steve Jobs leaves behind.


It is particularly pertinent that I have just embarked on the Technology for Creativity and Innovation module on the MICL.  We are looking at user experience, usability and human computer interaction.

Recently, my 8yr old son came running into the study whilst I was on the landline telephone.  He had heard a text arrive from my husband who was abroad.  We couldn't find something and had asked for his help.  My son had often picked it up my mobile only to be asked to put it down again.  This time, because I was busy on the other 'phone, he picked up the iPhone, opened the text, read it and carried out the instructions which involved looking in the garage.  He emerged, replied to the text and returned to his game.  I didn't realise what he'd done until some time later.  I was amazed.

I shouldn't have been so surprised, I suppose.  Apple really seems to have managed to tick all the boxes when it comes to usability and the story above shows that the iPhone text application certainly adheres to the 'ten-minute rule' (Nelson, 1980).


Apple has a fascinating history and I look forward to finding out more about their approach and the stories behind the products.

RIP Steve Jobs.