The Problem of Cognitive Load in GUI’s: Towards Establishing the Relationship between Cognitive Load and Our Executive Functions

Our cognitive capabilities greatly impact the way we use technology. In the case of User Interfaces we know of several of our cognitive capabilities affect how usable the software will be, such as Working Memory. Graphical User Interfaces use different components and Design Patterns in order to interact with the user and achieve a desired task, however, depending on the levels of some of our Executive Functions, the complexity of the task, and the Design Pattern being used, it can affect the Usability of the software. In this paper we present a work in progress of the development of Interaction Rules establishing the relationship between Executive Function (Working Memory and Cognitive Flexibility) levels, Design Patterns and the problem of Cognitive Load of Graphical User Interfaces.