Understanding and measuring cognitive load through eye tracking

Summary

Every decision, lesson, and task places demands on our limited working memory. When the mental effort — or cognitive load — is too high, performance drops. Too low, and engagement suffers.

This comprehensive guide explores how eye tracking provides a real-time, non-intrusive way to measure cognitive load and unlock insights into learning, decision-making, and performance.

What’s inside

• A clear introduction to cognitive load theory

• A comparison of measurement methods (self-report, performance, physiological)

• How eye metrics like pupil dilation, fixations, and saccades reveal mental effort

• Practical tips for research in both labs and real-world settings

• Real-world applications in education, UX, healthcare, and safety

Get the guide and start building your expertise in eye tracking.