Coffee Shops Fuel Creativity

It’s no secret that students and artistic types congregate in coffee shops.  Many believe a jolt of java acts as a needed stimulant to enhance study and creative work.

Recent research offers insight into why a coffee shop is such a great place to solve creative problems.  It turns out that moderate ambient noise – like that found in a busy coffee shop – acts as a spark to creativity.

According to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, this level of noise distracts the brain just enough to encourage abstract thinking, which is key to creative breakthroughs. By contrast, quiet places such as libraries or noises above 85 decibels actually inhibit both thinking and creativity.

So the next time you’re pondering a knotty problem, you might just find the answer at your local independent coffee shop.  At the very least, you’ll enjoy a delicious beverage!

Since 1991, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea has hand-roasted great-tasting coffee in Columbus, Ohio. We’ve also taught more than 300 small business owners in 30 states how to open a coffee shop through our 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Success program.