Thesis
The influence of external representations on cognitive processes in visual-spatial learning environments
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Arts, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00903
Abstract
The split-attention principle is an established concept in instructional design. It is caused by either navigating or looking between temporally or spatially separated sources of information such as in flat pack furniture assembly. This action causes the user to hold and process elements in their working memory simultaneously to make sense of what is being viewed leading to increased cognitive load. As human working memory is limited, cognitive load must be managed in a way that controls the number of elements that need to be processed. Traditional Paper-Based instructions for assembly tasks often include visual representations from a fixed perspective which forces the user to perform mental rotations to understand obfuscated information causing additional mental demand. A Mixed-Reality software prototype was developed to test the representation of instructions via holograms to aid in the placement of assembly parts. An assembly task consisting of 3D printed furniture and a 2D assembly manual was devised for comparison. Task Workload of the instructions was measured alongside performance measures to quantitatively evaluate the instructional efficiency of Paper-Based instructions compared to Mixed-Reality instructions presented using a Microsoft HoloLens. Forty participants were divided into two groups who undertook the same assembly task twice using the two different types of instructions. Participants in Group A before B started with Paper-Based instructions followed by HoloLens-Based instructions, while Group B before A did the tasks in the opposite order. Participants who started with the HoloLens performed significantly less mental rotation errors and completed the task significantly faster compared to participants who started with Paper Based Instructions. In addition, participants who started with the HoloLens reported significantly less Total Task load (NASA-RTLX) Raw Score with the subscales of Mental Demand and Frustration being lower compared to participants who started with the Paper-Based Instructions. The findings suggest that using a Mixed-Reality solution that reduces split-attention can benefit users through increased efficiency while mitigating against negative experiences during assembly tasks. With these useability improvements, future flat pack instruction designs that leverage this technology could enhance consumer satisfaction with self-assembly furniture products.
Details
- Title
- The influence of external representations on cognitive processes in visual-spatial learning environments
- Authors
- David Dixon - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching
- Contributors
- Christian M Jones (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Engage Research Lab
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Master of Arts
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00903
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991107746202621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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