Cognitive Load Made Simple: How AR Clears the Path for Easier Learning

Edited excerpts from the paper "Why Every Organization Needs an Augmented Reality Strategy" published in HBRs 10 Must Reads - On AI, Analytics and the New Machine Age

?

Understanding Cognitive Load and How AR Eases the Burden

In our daily lives, we're constantly bombarded with information. Navigating through this sea of data can be overwhelming, because of a concept known as "cognitive load." Simply put, cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort used in the working memory. It's like having a mental backpack that gets heavier with every piece of information we try to carry. Too much, and it becomes hard to focus, make decisions, or learn new things.

?

The Basics of Cognitive Load

Imagine your brain like a computer. Just like a computer can only run a certain number of programs at once before it starts to lag, there's a limit to how much information your brain can manage at one time. Cognitive load theory suggests that when we exceed this limit, our ability to process and retain information decreases. It's the reason you might feel overwhelmed when trying to follow complex instructions, learn a new skill, or decide with too many options.

?

How Augmented Reality (AR) Comes into Play

This is where Augmented Reality (AR) shines. AR has the power to change how we interact with information, making it easier to understand and use. By overlaying digital content onto the real world, AR can reduce the cognitive load, making learning and decision-making smoother and more intuitive.

?

The Smartphone Navigation Example

Let's take a common scenario: using your smartphone for directions while driving. The traditional way involves looking at a 2D map on your phone, interpreting it, and translating that information into navigating the 3D world. This process requires significant mental effort — you're mentally juggling your current location, the map on your screen, and the road ahead, all while driving. There is a large cognitive distance between the information on the device and the physical context it is applied. Managing this distance creates cognitive load.

?

AR can transform this experience. Imagine, instead of staring at your phone, seeing navigation cues directly overlaid on the road in front of you through your car's windshield or a head-up display. This direct visual guidance reduces the need to split your attention between the map and the road, significantly lowering the cognitive load. It streamlines the process, allowing you to focus more on driving safely, thereby reducing the cognitive distance, subsequently the load.

?

Why It Matters

Reducing cognitive load is crucial, not just for efficiency and safety but also for learning and productivity. When information is presented in a way that's easier to process, we can understand and remember it better. AR's ability to integrate information seamlessly into our environment makes it a powerful tool for education, training, and everyday tasks.

#harvardbusiness review #ar #learning #cognitiveload #ai #augmentedreality #harvard #llms #llm #chatgpt #openai