Cognitive Cost of Using Augmented Reality Displays

PubDate: August 2017

Teams: Wearable Computer Lab

Writers: James Baumeister; Seung Youb Ssin; Neven A. M. ElSayed; Jillian Dorrian; David P. Webb; James A. Walsh; Timothy M. Simon；Andrew Irlitti；Ross T. Smith；Mark Kohler；Bruce H. Thomas

PDF: Cognitive Cost of Using Augmented Reality Displays

Abstract

This paper presents the results of two cognitive load studies comparing three augmented reality display technologies: spatial augmented reality, the optical see-through Microsoft HoloLens, and the video see-through Samsung Gear VR. In particular, the two experiments focused on isolating the cognitive load cost of receiving instructions for a button-pressing procedural task. The studies employed a self-assessment cognitive load methodology, as well as an additional dual-task cognitive load methodology. The results showed that spatial augmented reality led to increased performance and reduced cognitive load. Additionally, it was discovered that a limited field of view can introduce increased cognitive load requirements. The findings suggest that some of the inherent restrictions of head-mounted displays materialize as increased user cognitive load.