A virtual whiteboard is a common interface approach for supporting group processes. Built on the insights gained from previous studies, we built an application that is capable of supporting various creativity techniques based on a virtual whiteboard interface. A two-day pilot study indicated that collocated groups are able to effectively conduct collaborative creativity sessions with different creativity techniques using this kind of interface. We furthermore identified two usage patterns that have a negative impact on the process and propose means to overcome these issues.

In this paper we investigate how Web 2.0-based applications could be used to support and improve creative problem solving in distributed teams. Looking at the theory of creative problem solving and creativity techniques, we identify some general factors for successfully supporting the creative process. Afterwards, we present an analysis of existing Web 2.0 applications for use within the context of creative processes, proposing a classification matrix, and discussing the potential benefits and problems of using the tools in distributed teams. Subsequently, we present empirical results of a case study on the topic, conducted at a German engineering company. We conclude by summarizing the results and proposing topics for further research.

Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) has been proposed in literature to overcome modularization shortcomings such as the tyranny of the dominant decomposition. However, the new language constructs introduced by AOP also raise new issues on their own-one of them is potential interference among aspects. In this paper we present an interference criterion to detect and thus help programmers to avoid advice order related problems