Reducing Cognitive Load Through Content Architecture in VR

The objective of this chapter is to introduce a research where the goal was to examine the possibility of converting commonly utilized 2D digital layouts into three-dimensional dashboards in order to decrease cognitive load. In order to achieve this goal, we conducted a study in which we compared user performance metrics, pupil dilation data, and subject-reported qualitative measures in a 2D scenario and two different versions of a 3D virtual reality scenario. All three scenarios focused on a use case that involved the most prevalent digital materials and designs encountered in digital education. These scenarios made use of textual information (such as PDF files and PPT files), images, and videos. By assuming that differences in cognitive load can be verified through pupillometry measurements, we demonstrated that it is feasible to develop 3D virtual reality scenarios that result in reduced cognitive load while maintaining the same performance metrics as commonly used 2D environments. However, our experiment also revealed that these improvements are not automatic. Instead, 3D workflows that require less physical movement, even if it means increasing camera rotations, appear to be more effective in reducing cognitive load.