Augmented Cognition
Augmented cognition makes for some really cutting edge human factors research. Basically, the point of AugCog is to figure out how to use technology to overcome cognitive limitations.
So how does it (will it) work? Well, using a very basic example, you first have to figure out some way of measuring a persons neurological and physiological responses to stimuli. For example, when a person is reading a bunch of information on a screen, how do they respond when there is too much information, or if the information is updating too quickly?
So let’s say we have figured out a way to capture these responses, the next step, and a much more difficult step, is figuring out how to interpret those neurological and physiological responses. What do they mean, and are they similar for most people or are responses so individualized that calibration is required?
Lastly, how can information be manipulated to correct the cognitive bottlenecks? How should the information on the screen be manipulated to relieve cognitive load? Should the font type change? What about the placement of text and graphics or animations? All of these questions are being researched in many labs in various research disciplines. I hope to help with some of this research after I finish school.
Check out the website link below to watch a video to see how AugCog could be used in the future. It’s a quality short film directed by Alexander Singer – he also did Star Trek TNG among many others.
Join the Augmented Cognition Facebook group to meet others interested in this emerging field of research.
