“In one experiment, we asked participants to find 10 creative uses for ping pong balls. Those in a cluttered setting were more ingenious. Their ideas included wheels for light objects, a way to measure wind and air movement, crazy earrings, and vase filler. Those in a neat environment came up with bingo balls and beer pong. The takeaway is if you want people to follow things to the letter, tidy is best. But if you’re looking for out-of-the-box thinking, clutter supports creativity.”

—Joseph Redden, Board of Overseers Professor of Marketing, Carlson School of Management