Using Discrete-Event Simulation For Cognitive Workload Modeling And System Evaluation

Human performance modeling can provide numerous benefits for system design evaluation. Discrete-event simulation (DES) is frequently used to evaluate process and workflow designs. The use of DES to evaluate human performance is less common. By modeling and evaluating human performance, systems engineers can design systems that balance human cognitive workload, thereby preventing fatigue, boredom, and errors due to under-load or over-load situations. This paper presents DES models created in IMPRINT (Improved Performance Research Integration Tool) that model the cognitive workload of an operator performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks using remotely-controlled unmanned ground and aerial systems. These tasks include single task threat detection and change detection, as well as dual-task scenarios. The models leverage multiple resource theory to produce an objective measure of workload that involves visual, auditory, cognitive, psychomotor, and speech channels. These objective workload measures are compared to both subjective workload questionnaire responses and physiological measures from human participants performing the same tasks. This paper clearly demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of using DES to quantify cognitive workload for use in evaluating system design alternatives