Effects of map design characteristics on users’ search performance and cognitive load

• Published in: Electronic library Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 667 - 679
• Main Authors: Al-Samarraie, Hosam, Eldenfria, Atef, Price, Melissa Lee, Zaqout, Fahed, Fauzy, Wan Mohamad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Publishing Limited 06.09.2019
• Subjects: Data processing; Human information processing; Information retrieval; Information visualization; Cognitive load; Information visualization; Symbolic maps; Information processing
• ISSN: 0264-0473; 1758-616X; 1758-616X
• DOI: 10.1108/EL-10-2018-0202

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of map design characteristics on users’ cognitive load and search performance. Two design conditions (symbolic vs non-symbolic) were used to evaluate users’ ability to locate a place of interest. Design/methodology/approach A total of 19 students (10 male and 9 female, 20-23 years old) participated in this study. The time required for subjects to find a place in the two conditions was used to estimate their searching performance. An electroencephalogram (EEG) device was used to examine students’ cognitive load using event-related desynchronization percentages of alpha, beta and theta brain wave rhythms. Findings The results showed that subjects needed more time to find a place in the non-symbolic condition than the symbolic condition. The EEG data, however, revealed that users experienced higher cognitive load when searching for a place in the symbolic condition. The authors found that the design characteristics of the map significantly influenced users’ brain activity, thus impacting their search performance. Originality/value Outcomes from this study can be used by cartographic designers and scholars to understand how certain design characteristics can trigger cognitive activity to improve users' searching experience and efficiency.