[3] Brainstorming exists in many forms, but first began to be formalized in graphical representation known as "concept mapping" by Joseph D. Novak of Cornell University in the 1970s.
[4] Seth Hollander, then a student at the Thayer School of Engineering of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, is said to be the first individual to formally propose the use of computers to assist with brainstorming and concept mapping.
[7] When using these electronic meeting systems (EMS, as they came to be called), group members simultaneously and independently entered ideas into a computer terminal.
Researchers found that the use of such computer supported systems helped groups categorize ideas, eliminate duplicates, and promote assessment and discussion of prioritized or controversial issues.
Avatars and virtual worlds are a unique web-based combination of verbal, non-verbal and written communication without physical limitations such as space and geographic location.
[12] Research shows that team idea generation and individual cognition in virtual environments increases in creative visual work spaces.
[16] Computer supported brainstorming was not beneficial for small groups, likely because the limited number of participants eliminated the evaluation apprehension and production blocking capabilities of the electronic system.
[17][18] The major benefits of computer supported brainstorming software arises from the anonymity of participants, the archiving of data, elimination of wait time for turn taking and the ability to incorporate additional feedback tools to reduce social loafing.
Another advantage of computer supported brainstorming software is that all ideas can be archived electronically in their original form, and then retrieved later for further thought and discussion.
[19] Early researchers into computer supported brainstorming expressed concern that the simultaneous contribution of multiple ideas would cause information overload and reduce productivity.
[20] Color coding features of some computer supported brainstorming software can help mitigate the potential for information overload and differentiate between individual contributions.
In comparing the results of several studies, researchers found that when software was perceived to be difficult to use, students preferred to collaborate face-to-face using a whiteboard.