Freedom, structure, and creativity

Creativity is commonly thought to depend on freedom and a lack of constraints. While this is true to a large extent, it neglects the creative potential of structure and constraints. In this chapter, I will address the relation between freedom, structure, and creativity. I will explain that freedom, while important for motivation and creativity, also implies complexity and cognitive load, and that this may, paradoxically, diminish creative performance. I will also address the role of individual differences, showing that some people react differently to freedom versus constraints than others do.