Investigating Cognitive Load in Spatial Computing Workspaces

To illustrate the capabilities of the Extended Realities Research Lab we present a theoretical framework for a potential study investigating cognitive load in spatial computing workspaces. A candidate experiment could evaluate the efficacy of augmented reality interfaces compared to traditional multi-monitor configurations for data-intensive analytical tasks. In such a study participants would wear optical see-through displays enabling them to position and interact with floating virtual information panels within their physical surroundings. The underlying hypothesis would postulate that leveraging human spatial memory through egocentric organization of virtual content significantly reduces the extraneous cognitive load typically associated with window management on 2D screens.

The methodology for this proposed investigation could utilize a within-subjects design where participants perform standardized financial analysis tasks under both augmented and physical monitor conditions. To rigorously assess the impact of the interface on the user a multimodal data collection strategy would be employed. Primary metrics might include task completion time and error rates alongside physiological measures such as eye tracking to analyze visual attention distribution and pupillometry as an indicator of mental effort. These quantitative data would then be triangulated with subjective workload assessments using validated instruments to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the spatial computing user experience in a professional context.