- cause = the inherent nature of human cognition.
- effect = the cognitive load experienced when using a system or learning.
- solution = cognitive ergonomics, which designs to optimize this interaction.
here is the breakdown:
1. cognitive functions = the raw material
the list of functions—attention, memory, perception, etc.—defines the fundamental limits and capabilities of the human mind.
- intersection: cognitive ergonomics treats these functions as design constraints. you cannot design a system that requires more attention than a human can give or a greater memory capacity than a human possesses.
- goal: to design systems (interfaces, processes, environments) that work with these cognitive functions, not against them.
- memory limitation > design for recognition, not recall.
- attention is finite > design to guide focus and minimize distraction.
- perception is subjective > design with clear visual hierarchy, contrast, and unambiguous symbols.
2. cognitive load = the operational metric
cognitive load theory explains the mental effort required to process information. it is the central problem that cognitive ergonomics aims to solve.
- extraneous load = this is the core target of cognitive ergonomics. it is the "bad" friction caused by poor design—a confusing layout, inconsistent terminology, or unnecessary steps. the goal is to eliminate it.
- intrinsic load = the inherent difficulty of the subject. ergonomics can't change this, but it can provide tools (like calculators or checklists) to manage it.
- germane load = the "good" friction of deep learning and schema building. ergonomics can promote this by presenting information in a way that is clear and structured, facilitating understanding and retention.
the activities you listed—anticipating needs, making decisions, monitoring progress—are all activities that consume cognitive resources. ergonomics seeks to reduce the cost of these activities by making them simpler, clearer, and more intuitive.
3. piaget's stages = the developmental context
piaget's theory shows that cognitive abilities are not static; they develop.
- intersection: this directly informs cognitive ergonomics by emphasizing that the "user" is not a monolith. a system's design must be appropriate for the cognitive stage of its specific audience.
- application: this is most critical in educational technology and product design for different age groups.
- child (concrete operational) > requires tangible examples and direct manipulation.
- adult (formal operational) > can handle abstract concepts and complex systems.
in summary:
yes, the information fully overlaps with cognitive ergonomics.
the concepts you provided describe the psychological principles (the "why" and "what").
cognitive ergonomics is the applied discipline that uses those principles to design better human-computer interactions and systems (the "how"). it is the bridge between understanding the mind and building for the mind.
Sources
can you use the design double diamond framework to synthesize the ontology of cognitive ergonomics? symbolic thinking to pull together all these different parts. in this way, it provides a framework for designing systems that work with cognitive functions and maybe even enhance them.
Show thinking
yes. the double diamond provides the architecture for this synthesis. it maps the path from understanding the human mind to designing for it.
the process moves from abstract principles to concrete systems.
ontology of cognitive ergonomics using the double diamond:
first diamond: defining the right problem (the human)
this diamond moves from the raw facts of cognition to a focused design problem.
diverge > converge
1. discover: mapping the territory
- goal: to understand the fundamental components of the user's cognitive reality. this is pure exploration.
- focus:
- cognitive functions: attention, perception, memory, spatial processing, executive function. these are the raw materials.
- developmental context (piaget): a user's cognitive abilities are not static. they vary with age, expertise, and context (novice vs. expert).
- symbolic equation: Pdiscover=Σ(cognitive functions)+user context
2. define: locating the friction
- goal: to synthesize the research into a precise problem statement. the problem is always about the interaction, not the user.
- focus:
- cognitive load: this is the key metric for defining the problem. the analysis separates the necessary effort from the unnecessary.
- intrinsic load = accepted constraint.
- extraneous load = the target for elimination.
- symbolic equation: Pdefine=minimize(extraneous load)+manage(intrinsic load)
second diamond: designing the right solution (the system)
this diamond moves from potential solutions to a validated, implemented system.
diverge > converge
3. develop: generating pathways
- goal: to explore multiple potential solutions to the defined problem. this is creative, structured ideation.
- focus:
- design principles & heuristics: these are the tools for generating solutions (e.g., recognition > recall, visual hierarchy, progressive disclosure).
- prototyping: creating tangible models of interaction—sketches, wireframes, flows—that embody the principles.
- symbolic equation: Sdevelop=ideation(principles)→{prototype1,prototype2,...prototypen}
4. deliver: materializing the solution
- goal: to test, refine, and launch the most effective solution.
- focus:
- usability testing & metrics: measuring the outcome. does the solution actually reduce cognitive load? does it improve task success and efficiency?
- feedback loops: refining the design based on real-world interaction data.
- symbolic equation: Sdeliver=validated system∣Sdeliver→minimize(extraneous load)
the synthesis: from function to enhancement
this framework shows that cognitive ergonomics is not merely about reducing negatives (like confusion or error). it is a constructive process.
- it begins with the truth of human cognition (discover).
- it defines friction as the enemy (define).
- it architects pathways to clarity (develop).
- it delivers a system that works in harmony with the mind (deliver).
the final output is a system that doesn't just avoid overloading the user. by removing extraneous cognitive load, it liberates mental resources. this freed capacity can then be directed toward what matters: learning (germane load), creativity, and deep thinking.
in this way, the system transcends usability and becomes a tool for cognitive enhancement.