Measuring cognitive load in digital environments
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | REGION DALARNA - Centrum för Klinisk Forskning Dalarna |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 857 000 |
| Project duration | April 2020 - September 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The project aims to develop better methods for quantitative measurements of cognitive load when using digital interfaces. The project has developed a tool, the Energy Meter, which can now make such measurements. The tool makes it possible to collect large amounts of quantitative data to measure and visualize what creates cognitive difficulties when using websites and e-services.
Expected long term effects
The project has resulted in the existence of a tool that can collect quantitative data to measure cognitive load when using websites and e-services on the web. This will be able to be used to visualize with statistical certainty what it is that consumes energy, ie makes the web pages more difficult to use. This helps to ensure that deficiencies in the interfaces can be remedied with greater precision.
Approach and implementation
We have worked in an iterative development process in collaboration between people with disabilities, accessibility experts, UX designers, designers and coders. We started from a prototype that we previously created. We have worked with an illustrator and a health researcher to develop animated assessment scales for measuring energy consumption. The iterations have been tested by people with cognitive disabilities in small pilot projects.