Lyndsey Franklin

Lyndsey Franklin, Kyungsik Han, Zhuanyi Huang et al.

We present the results of a user study with novice NMR analysts (N=19) involving a gamified simulation of the NMR analysis process. Participants solved randomly generated spectrum puzzles for up to three hours. We used eye tracking, event logging, and observations to record symptoms of cognitive depletion while participants worked. Analysis of results indicate that we can detect both signs of learning and signs of cognitive depletion in participants over the course of the three hours. Participants' break strategies did not predict or reflect game scores, but certain symptoms appear predictive of breaks.

Lyndsey Franklin, Nathan Hodas

NMR spectroscopy analysis is a detail-oriented analytic feat that typically requires specific domain expertise and hours of concentration. This work presents an ethnographic-style study of this analysis process in the context of evaluating the symptoms of cognitive depletion. The repeated, non-trivial decisions required by and the time-consuming nature of NMR spectroscopy analysis make it an ideal, real-world scenario to study the symptoms of cognitive depletion, its effect on workflow and performance, and potential strategies for mitigating its deleterious effects.

Lyndsey Franklin, Kristina Lerman, Nathan Hodas

In this work, we address the symptoms of cognitive depletion as they relate to generalized knowledge workers. We unify previous findings within a single analytical model of cognitive depletion. Our purpose is to develop a model that will help us predict when a person has reached a sufficient state of cognitive depletion such that taking a break or some other restorative action will benefit both his or her own wellbeing and the quality of his or her performance. We provide a definition of each symptom in our model as well as the effect it would have on a knowledge worker's ability to work productively. We discuss methods to detect each symptom that do not require self assessment. Understanding symptoms of cognitive depletion provides the ability to support human knowledge workers by reducing the stress involved with cognitive and work overload while maintaining or improving the quality of their performance.