Workload Profile Technique
Description
The workload profile technique is a subjective, multidimensional mental workload (MWL) assessment tool. It is used to determine demand ratings imposed by a task across the eight following dimensions:
1. Perceptual or central processing
2. Response selection and execution
3. Spatial processing
4. Verbal processing
5. Visual processing
6. Auditory processing
7. Manual output
8. Speech output.
After each task is completed, the participant assigns a rating for each dimension. The rating is on a scale from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates no mental workload demand and 1 indicates the maximum mental workload demand. After the ratings are completed, the values are added to find the overall MWL rating for the task.
Uses
To determine the total mental workload of a task by evaluating it across eight dimensions.
How do I use this tool?
1. DEFINE TASK(S) UNDER ANALYSIS
2. CONDUCT A HIERARCHICAL TASK ANALYSIS (HTA) FOR THE TASK(S) UNDER ANALYSIS.
3. CREATE WORKLOAD PROFILE PRO-FORMA. The left-hand columnd should house the tasks that are being assessed. List the workload dimensions across the page.
4. SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS. The types of participants selected may depend on the goals of the analysis.
5. BRIEF PARTICIPANTS. Explain the purpose of the study, mental workload, multiple resource theory and the workload profile technique. Use a workshop to accomplish this if prudent. Ensure participants clearly understand multiple resource theory and each dimension of the workload profile technique.
6. CONDUCT THE PILOT RUN. Perform a pilot run with a small task to ensure the participant understands the process.
7. TASK PERFORMANCE. Participants undertake the task under analysis.
8. COMPLETION OF WORKLOAD PROFILE PRO-FORMA. Participants assign the demand ratings across the eight dimensions.
9. CALCULATE WORKLOAD RATINGS FOR EACH TASK. Analysts should add the ratings across the eight dimensions to calculate the overall workload rating for the task.
Expertise Required
Users of this tool usually have some training or experience in its use.
Advantages
Offers real-world applications.
Provides both an overall rating as well as a rating for each of eight workload dimensions.
Provides multidimensional assessment.
Disadvantages
There is little evidence of the technique actually being used.
It requires participants to understand mental workload and multiple resource theory.
Scale may present difficulties for participants.
Because data are collected postimplementation, participants may forget aspects of the tasks.
Where can I go to learn more?
Stanton N, Salmon P, Walker G, et al. Mental workload assessment method. Human factors methods: a practical guide for engineering and design. Great Britain: Ashgate; 2005. p. 301-64.