Performance Evaluation of Numeric Keypad Layout Based on Cognitive Workload

A method for performance evaluation of numeric keypad layout based on cognitive workload is proposed and applied to model task’s cognitive processes in detail and scrutinizes human workload at a cognitive level. To conduct experiment for performance evaluation of keyboard layout, numeric keypad test software whose layout is configurable is developed. The participant’s keying behavioral data are collected during experiments. Cognitive model is constructed by using theories of ACT-R and verified by investigating the correlation coefficient between model and experiment. The cognitive workload is derived by summing the active time for each module of cognitive architecture as the model runs. The percentage of brain region’s active time during the task is used to evaluate the task’s performance with the mapping relationship between cognitive architecture and brain region. By comparing the percentage of the brain’s active time with accomplishment of similar tasks, the performances of different numeric keypad layout are evaluated.