Information Format and Cognitive Style

Abstract

The format of information can provide a powerful communication tool; however, a confluence of mismatched formats can be problematic. Particularly in the area of home energy audits, service providers rely on static reports that outline potential savings and recommendations to customers. These reports are created using a variety of information formats. In a broader sense, incorporating an understanding of the user, at a cognitive level, can reduce the cognitive effort required to comprehend the information presented. This research explores the potential for enhancing these static reports for usability and comprehension. In the paper, a summary of reviews on cognitive theory, comprehension, and style is presented. The hypothesis that matched information format and individual cognitive style will result in more accurate recall and a higher usability rating is tested through a comprehension and usability experiment. Results indicate promising associations not only between format and cognitive style, but also with more subjective variables.