Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
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Measuring Attention and Visual Processing Speed by Model-based Analysis of Temporal-order Judgments
Published on: January 23, 2017
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When a model gives you mixed signals: cognitive effects and visual behavior
Amine Abbad-Andaloussi1, Marco Franceschetti1, Hugo A López2
1University of St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Process Science
|October 9, 2025
Summary
Business process model ambiguity causes misunderstandings and errors. An eye-tracking study shows ambiguity negatively impacts reader comprehension and cognitive load, highlighting the need for mitigation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Information Systems
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Ambiguity in business process models leads to misinterpretations, impacting clarity and efficiency.
- Limited research exists on the specific effects of ambiguity on model readers' cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different types of ambiguity (layout, semantic, syntactic, lexical) on cognitive load, comprehension, and visual associations.
- To explore reader behaviors when resolving ambiguity in business process models.
Main Methods:
- An eye-tracking study combined with qualitative think-aloud data collection.
- Analysis of cognitive load, comprehension, and visual fixations during process model interpretation.
Main Results:
- Ambiguity significantly increases cognitive load and negatively affects comprehension and visual associations.
- Readers exhibit distinct behavioral patterns when attempting to resolve process model ambiguities.
Conclusions:
- Ambiguity in business process models has detrimental effects on readers.
- Developing mechanisms to detect and mitigate ambiguity is crucial for improving process model understanding and application.
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