Attention, Action, and Memory: How Multi-modal Interfaces and Cognitive Load Alter Information Retention

Abstract: Each year, multi-modal interaction continues to grow within both industry and academia. However, researchers have yet to fully explore the impact of multi-modal systems on learning and memory retention. This research investigates how combining gaze-based controls with gesture navigation affects information retention when compared to standard track-pad usage. A total of twelve participants read four textual articles through two different user interfaces which included a track-pad and a multi-modal interface that tracked eye movements and hand gestures for scrolling, zooming, and revealing content. Participants underwent two assessment sessions that measured their information retention immediately and after a twenty-four hour period along with the NASA-TLX workload evaluation and the System Usability Scale assessment. The initial analysis indicates that multi-modal interaction produces similar targeted information retention to traditional track-pad usage, but this neutral effect comes with higher cognitive workload demands and seems to deteriorate with long-term retention. The research results provide new knowledge about how multi-modal systems affect cognitive engagement while providing design recommendations for future educational and assistive technologies that require effective memory performance.