A Novel Method For Displaying Systems Datums Based On "Cognitive Load"
2022-01-0969
03/29/2022
- Content
- Operator attention has been a focus of human factors research. This research has defined how electronic devices and other stimuli can become distractions when included in the operator environment. Distracted driving occurs when a stimulus interrupts the essential cognitive processes of operating a vehicle. Attention is the most often mentioned of this loosely ordered sequence of processes that also includes perception, memory, cognition, and planful behaviors. These processes are the “cognitive demands” of vehicle operation. There is another issue, similar to “distracted driving,” that may cause an operator to fail to respond appropriately. That issue is the “cognitive load” of human-machine interface devices, including instrument clusters. The present paper explores the effects of cognitive load on the speed of operator responses. It describes a novel method for displaying systems datums that is designed to manage cognitive load. The paper describes a pilot study where participants were asked to perform modified driving simulations using a “traditional” instrument cluster and an instrument cluster based on the novel method. Average response times were 1.201 seconds faster using the novel instrument cluster. Paired t-Test demonstrated this difference was significant (p = 4.722E-06). Two-way ANOVA identified a significant “instrument cluster” effect. The present data support the hypothesis that the novel method manages “cognitive load.” The method allows operators to return their gaze to the direction of travel 105 feet faster at a speed of 60 miles per hour. The “Summary” section describes the benefits of the novel method in a variety of vehicles.
- Citation
- Havins, W., "A Novel Method For Displaying Systems Datums Based On "Cognitive Load"," SAE Technical Paper 2022-01-0969, 2022, .