Cognitive Workload Measurement
EyeTracking’s patented Index of Cognitive Activity measures Cognitive Workload objectively and unobtrusively in real-time. This metric has been validated in peer-reviewed research in a number of different fields. It is available through the EyeWorks Cognitive Workload Module or our Workload RT™ stand-alone product. The background and applications of this metric are discussed below.
The Science
The pupil is surrounded by two sets of muscles, a circular set and a radial set. The circular muscles react to the presence or absence of light; the radial muscles react when a person exerts mental effort. The Index of Cognitive Activity (ICA) measures pupil changes resulting from mental effort (radial muscles) while factoring out the light reflex (circular muscles). This patented metric is the culmination of three decades of research into cognition and assessment. It was developed under DoD support through projects with the Office of Naval Research.
Interested in learning more about the science behind cognitive workload and out technology? Learn more
The Applications
Measure
Measure the level of difficulty experienced completing a task
Diagnose
Diagnose specific features of a task that are associated with high workload
Identify
Identify opportunities to improve ease of system operation
Compare
Compare workload across multiple iterations of an interface
Optimize
Optimize training materials based on a quantifiable measure of difficulty
Demonstrate
Demonstrate workload differences between user groups
Automobile Drivers
U.S. Naval Officers
Neurological Research
FAA Air Traffic Controllers
Aviation Training
Laparoscopic Surgeons
TSA Baggage Screeners
Case Study: Northrop Grumman
NASA Trainees
Software Options
EyeTracking’s cognitive workload assessment metric is available in two formats:
The Cognitive Workload Module
Workload RT
Workload RT is a simple stand-alone product for researchers and developers who wish to use ICA-based cognitive workload assessment without EyeWorks. Using Workload RT, workload data may be rendered in real time, saved to text file or integrated directly into an external application. Workload RT is an ideal solution for OEM developers or third party developers looking to enhance their own software with our world leading workload measurement technology.
Related Publications
Here follows a non-exhaustive list of publications related to the Index of Cognitive Activity. Please contact us if you wish to have additional publications added to this list.
2020
Pupillary response during verbal abstract reasoning in Parkinson’s disease: A pilot study
Moon, S., Kahya, M., Lyons, K., Pahwa, R., Akinwuntan, A.E., Devos, H.
International Journal of Neuroscience
2020
Pupillary response, driving simulation and increased cognitive load: Assessment of cognitive effort for breast cancer survivors
Moon, S., O’Dea, A., Klemp, J., Kurylo, M., Akinwuntan, A., Devos, H.
Oncology Nursing Forum, 47, 203-212
2020
Cognitive workload and cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: two different constructs of cognitive functioning?
Devos, H., Akinwuntan, A.E., Alissa, N., Morohunfola, B., Lynch, S.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 38:101505
2020
Visual search and target detection in drivers with Parkinson’s disease
Ranchet M., Akinwuntan, A.E., Morgan, J.C., Devos, H.
Accident Analysis and Prevention, 134, 105328
2019
Using objective robotic automated performance metrics and task-evoked pupillary response to distinguish surgeon expertise
Nguyen, J., Chen, J., Marshall, S. P., Ghodoussipour, S., Chen, A., Gill, I. S., and Hung, A. J.
World Journal of Urology. DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02881-w
2019
Evaluation of the Index of Cognitive Activity (ICA) as an Instrument to Measure Cognitive Workload Under Differing Light Conditions
Rerhaye L., Blaser T., Alexander T.
In: Bagnara S., Tartaglia R., Albolino S., Alexander T., Fujita Y. (eds) Proceedings of the 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018). IEA 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 827. Springer, Cham DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-96059-3_38
