As it turns out, there’s something about a quad-Americano that makes work seem effortless. But, the science behind coffee shop productivity runs a little deeper than the endless supply of caffeine. A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research points to noise as a performance enhancer, increasing creative cognition and improving workflow. The research, led by Ravi Mehta at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, found that ambient noise – like a bustling coffee shop – enhanced performance when compared to relative quiet. It is background noise, equivalent to 70 decibels that triggers abstract thinking. On the other hand, total silence or noise registering above 85 decibels, compromised creativity. And now, thanks to some noise generating apps, you can take the sounds of the coffee shop with you wherever you go. Here are 6 apps that are re-creating the coffee shop environment: How the Right Amount of Ambient Noise Increases Creativity | 99u
