Creativity in software engineering:a systematic literature review

The competitive nature of industries and emergence of newer technologies demands an improving and creative approach in the development of software solutions. Conventional approaches to software development are characterized by sequential stiffened procedures with rigid management practices. These approaches limit the potential of alternative creative processes by impeding the adoption of one’s intuition, ability to explore, knowledge sharing and collaboration among developers. Software Engineering (SE) is a complex domain that requires intense creative activities for its sustainability; hence a firm understanding of creativity is in need. Creativity is a cognitive activity that is influenced by people, process, product and place. The study identified 89 primary studies through systematic literature review conducted to analyze, synthesize and aggregate evidences regarding the state-of-art on research of creativity in software engineering with the aim of addressing the techniques, tools, factors and measurement of creativity in software engineering domain. The findings revealed that the requirement and design phases of software development are more important stages in the development process where design decisions are made and creativity is much emphasized. Factors categorized as extrinsic and intrinsic factors are said to influence creative practices in SE domain. The adoption of creativity techniques such as collaboration, knowledge sharing and brainstorming with appropriate lightweight creativity supporting tools were identified to influence creative practices in software engineering domain, while its evaluation is difficult and subjective. In conclusion, the study advocates the adoption of creative practices with flexible management style in software development towards the building of effective and timely software. However, assertive adherence to traditional practices in software development could hamper creative practices. There exists no ultimate solution to creativity, beyond the harnessing of human cognitive capability. Hence, the management of software project should seek the development of the creative mind (engineers) with an embracing management practices for continuous deliverance of effective and novel solutions. The findings could impacts decision making of stakeholders in software engineering domain towards harnessing of creative practices