Researchers at the University of Minnesota conducted a series of experiments to look at how people function in different types of workspaces.

Two groups of subjects, one group was in a clean room, the other in a messy one, were asked to generate ideas for new uses for ping pong balls. While both groups came up with about an equal number of ideas, impartial judges rated the ideas from the messy-office group as more creative and interesting.

“Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition, which can produce fresh insights,” said Kathleen Vohs, the lead researcher, who concluded that messy rooms inspired more creativity.

-Journal of Psychology