The effects of dual-task interference on visual search and verbal memory

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Wearable technologies like head-up displays (HUDs) are increasing, facilitating multitasking in operational environments.
• Multitasking often leads to performance costs, where task interference impairs overall efficiency.
• Quantifying multitasking interference is essential for optimizing system design and user performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize multitasking interference in a controlled simulated environment.
• To assess the performance trade-offs associated with performing visual search and memory tasks simultaneously.
• To determine the applicability of simulated environments for studying multitasking deficits relevant to operational contexts.

Main Methods:

• Forty-eight participants engaged in a simulated navigation task combined with a visual search task.
• Three experimental conditions were employed: standalone memory task, standalone search task, and dual-task (both simultaneously).
• Subjective workload and stress metrics were collected to corroborate performance data.

Main Results:

• Significant dual-task interference was observed when participants performed both tasks concurrently compared to single-task conditions.
• Performance decrements in the dual-task condition were consistent across both the visual search and memory components.
• Subjective workload and stress levels were elevated during the dual-task condition, aligning with performance data.

Conclusions:

• Simulated environments can effectively characterize multitasking interference, mirroring deficits seen in real-world operational settings.
• Understanding performance capabilities and trade-offs in multitasking is vital for designing effective HUDs and operational systems.
• The findings provide a basis for developing strategies to mitigate multitasking-related performance costs in demanding environments.