Is a Messy Desk a Sign of Creativity?

This article explores the relationship between desk neatness and personality, work habits, and creativity. It discusses various studies on the impact of neat and messy desks on people's behavior and productivity.

Is a Messy Desk a Sign of Creativity?

The MBTI (16 Personality Types Test) has been gaining popularity again. This time, the focus has shifted from 'E and I people' to 'J and P people'. According to popular online views, the main difference between these two types is whether one acts according to a plan or is flexible and spontaneous.

People with different personalities can often be identified by their desks. Some have neatly arranged desks, while others are more casual. The same goes for computer desktops.

The neatness of a desk not only reflects one's personality but also affects work status and habits. Most people think that having items neatly arranged is a good thing. A messy desk can constantly distract and make it hard to find things. The same is true for a cluttered computer desktop.

In 2012, a survey found that workers spend an average of two hours per week looking for data documents on their computers.

In 2015, a Harvard University study set up neat and messy desks and recruited 100 college students to complete challenging tasks. Those working on neat desks lasted an average of 1117 seconds, while those on messy desks only lasted 669 seconds. This suggests that a messy desk can make people less persistent and more easily tired.

In 2017, another study involving American adults of different ages showed that among older people, clutter can distract and is related to the degree of procrastination.

In 2016, a study found that a messy kitchen environment can lead to psychological loss of control and make people eat high-calorie snacks.

A study by psychologist Kathleen Vohs at the University of Minnesota found that people in neat rooms are more likely to donate to charities and eat apples. In another experiment, people in messy rooms had more creative ideas.

In 2012, another study by the University of Groningen found that people working at messy desks are better at making decisions and simplifying tasks.

Some people can find what they need quickly even in a messy desk, which is called 'informal neatness'.

We can break free from stereotypes and adjust our desks according to our work and life needs.

Some studies also ask why desks are messy. It turns out that it may be due to work stress and emotional exhaustion.

So, what does your desk look like?