Cognitive Workload Demands Using 2D and 3D Spatial Engineering Information Formats
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 140, Issue 5
Abstract
Construction project performance is significantly reliant on the effective communication of the project’s design to the end construction worker. Spatial design is frequently represented in two-dimensional (2D) drawings of various views. These views must be combined and decoded by the end user to effectively understand all orientations of a building element and can lead to errors. Advances in three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) and 3D printing have provided promising advancements in the presentation of spatial engineering information. This research investigates cognitive-workload demands of each information format. Cognitive workload is the amount of mental resources required to complete a task from the total available mental resources. Asking subjects to complete a reconstructing task of a simple structure using 2D drawings, a 3D CAD interface, and a 3D printed model introduces the individuals to alternative forms of information presentation. After completing the task, the subjects were surveyed on their perceptions of mental workload in six main factors using the NASA Task Load Index (TLX). Through a statistical analysis, there was no difference in mental workload between the three types of information presentation, indicating that the cognitive demands of the mediums are similar. However, there were statistically significant differences in workload factors due to demographic influences, such as occupation and CAD experience levels. In addition, mental workload affected the subject’s productivity in task completion. The primary contribution to the overall body of knowledge is the investigation of mental workload as a factor in spatial understanding, and more specifically, identifying cognitive demands of individuals when presented with spatial engineering information in various formats.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the University of Kentucky Construction Engineering and Project Management Advisory Board for the support and input to the study. Furthermore, the study would not have been possible without the time and commitment of the participating construction craft workers and their companies.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 140 • Issue 5 • May 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 5, 2013
Accepted: Dec 4, 2013
Published online: Jan 8, 2014
Published in print: May 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Jun 8, 2014
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