Enhancing collaborative ideation through multimodal brainwriting in mixed reality

Abstract

Idea generation and sharing are essential for collaborative creativity, yet brainstorming sessions that rely primarily on real-time verbal discussion can lead to uneven participation and limited forms of idea expression. This study proposes an MR Brainwriting System that integrates the gallery walk technique into a co-located mixed reality environment. The system combines a staged brainwriting workflow, spatially organized digital idea artifacts, and pen-based writing and sketching interaction through a pen-shaped accessory attached to a VR controller. We evaluated the prototype with 15 participants experienced in game creation and VR interaction through post-task questionnaires, focus group interviews, and audio-based verbal interaction analysis. Participants generally responded positively to the MR brainwriting experience, particularly in relation to multimodal idea expression, structured workflow, and pen-based interaction. However, statistical comparisons with traditional brainstorming did not show significant advantages for the MR condition, and verbal interaction analysis did not indicate increased or more balanced verbal participation. The findings suggest that the system offers an alternative form of ideation support by combining structured idea generation, shared visual review, and multimodal expression within an MR workspace. This work provides design insights for MR-based collaborative creativity tools that integrate structured brainwriting with spatial and multimodal interaction.