Enhancing in-car interface efficiency: The influence of menu configuration on cognitive load and visuospatial memory

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• In-vehicle information/infotainment systems (IVIS) present complex interaction challenges.
• Understanding the cognitive load associated with different menu structures is crucial for user safety and efficiency.
• Visuospatial working memory (VSWM) significantly impacts performance in complex interface navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of hierarchical versus grouping menu types on touchscreen operations within an IVIS.
• To evaluate how varying levels of visuospatial working memory (VSWM) load influence task performance, visual search, and mental workload.
• To correlate neurophysiological data (EEG) and subjective reports with objective performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• Employed eye-tracking, electroencephalography (EEG), and the NASA-TLX questionnaire with 36 participants.
• Assessed performance metrics including task completion time and visual search efficiency.
• Analyzed EEG data for brainwave activity (theta and alpha waves) in relation to cognitive load and VSWM.

Main Results:

• Grouping menus led to superior task performance and visual search efficiency compared to hierarchical menus.
• Hierarchical menus resulted in a higher subjective mental workload, particularly under increased VSWM loads.
• EEG data showed reduced mental workload with grouping menus (occipital theta waves) and a correlation between VSWM load and central alpha waves.

Conclusions:

• Grouping menu structures are recommended for IVIS design to enhance user performance and reduce cognitive burden.
• Interface designers should consider VSWM limitations and menu organization for goal-oriented search tasks.
• Future research should explore real-world multitasking scenarios to refine design guidelines for automotive and aviation systems.