Exploring Cognitive Load and Task Complexity in Dynamic Tracking Tasks: Insights for Construction Workflows

Construction tasks involve dynamic and visually demanding activities that require continuous monitoring, tracking, and decision-making.These demands can overwhelm workers' cognitive capacity and increase mental strain and reduce efficiency.This study combines two cognitive load assessment methods: objective cognitive load assessment using wearable eye tracking and task-based performance analysis by calculating performance error.It examines the impact of complexity in dynamic tracking tasks on performance and cognitive load.The metrics include blink rate, fixation rate, saccadic amplitude, saccadic peak velocity, saccadic mean velocity, and tracking error.Saccadic amplitude showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.891) which reflect the need to scan broader areas for higher visual complexity.In contrast, saccadic peak velocity (r = -0.96),blink rate (r = -0.967),and fixation rate (r = -0.671)demonstrated negative correlations with task complexity, which suggests increased cognitive demands and a prioritization of accuracy over speed.Saccadic mean velocity showed minimal correlation (r = -0.07),which suggests it might not be a sensitive metric for evaluating the impact of task complexity.Performance error was measured as the Euclidean distance between gaze and target, and it revealed a strong positive correlation with task complexity (r = 0.967).It indicates reduced performance as complexity increased.These findings highlight the significant impact of complexity on cognitive and visual performance.This is particularly relevant in construction tasks that require continuous monitoring, tracking, and visual processing.Understanding these relationships helps optimize construction workflows, reducing cognitive strain, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety in visually demanding tasks.