The Effect of Experience-Based Tangible User Interface on Cognitive Load in Design Education

Abstract

Inclusion of tangible user interfaces can facilitate learning through contextual experience, interaction with the provided information, and epistemic actions, resulting in effecting learning in design education. The goal of this study is to investigate how tangible user interface (TUI) affects design learning through the cognitive load. Extended reality-based TUI and traditional desktop-based GUI were utilized to deliver the same information to two groups of students. The NASA TLX tool was used to measure students' perceived cognitive load after receiving information through the two modalities. Contemporary design pedagogy, the potential use of XR, design cognition, today's design learners experience-oriented lifestyle were combined to provide a theoretical framework to understand how information delivery modalities affect design learning. The results reveal that the use of XR-based TUIs decreases cognitive load resulting in enhanced experience and effective learning in design studios.