Cognitive Cost of Using Augmented Reality Displays
James Baumeister, Seung Youb Ssin, Neven ElSayed, Jillian Dorrian, David P. Webb, James A. Walsh, Timothy M. Simon, Andrew Irlitti, Ross Smith, Mark J Kohler, Bruce Hunter Thomas · IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics · 2017
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.