Mobile HCI: Issues Surrounding Cognition, Distraction, Usability and Performance

Humans are approaching a new and intriguing time with regards to Mobile Human Computer Interaction. For years we have observed the processing power, memory capabilities and battery life of the mobile device increase exponentially. While at the same time mobile devices were converging with additional technologies such as increased connectivity, external peripherals, GPS and location based services etc. But what are the cognitive costs associated with these advancements? The software used on mobile devices is also becoming more sophisticated, demanding more from our limited mental resources. Furthermore, this complex software is being used in distracting environments such as in cars, busses, trains and noisy communal areas. These environments, themselves, have steadily become increasingly more complex and cognitively demanding. Increasingly complex software, installed on increasingly complex mobile devices, being used in increasing complex environments is presenting Mobile HCI with serious challenges. This paper presents a brief overview of five experiments before presenting a final experiment in detail. These experiments attempt to understand the relationship between cognition, distraction, usability and performance. The research determines that some distractions affect usability and not performance while others affect performance but not usability. This paper concludes with a reinforced argument for the development of a cognitive load aware system.