Human processor model

Human processor model is a cognitive modeling method used to calculate how long it takes to perform a certain task. Other cognitive modeling methods include parallel design, GOMS, and KLM (human-computer interaction). Cognitive modeling methods are one way to evaluate the usability of a product. This method uses experimental times to calculate cognitive and motor processing time. Other modeling methods include inspection methods, inquiry methods, prototyping methods, and testing methods.

The human processor model uses the cognitive, perceptual, and motor processors along with the visual image, working memory, and long term memory storages. A diagram is shown below. Each processor has a cycle time and each memory has a decay time. These values are also included below. By following the connections diagrammed below, along with the associated cycle or decay times, the time it takes a user to perform a certain task can be calculated.

Parameter	Mean	Range
Eye movement time	230 ms	70-700 ms
Decay half-life of visual image storage	200 ms	90-1000 ms
Perceptual processor cycle time	100 ms	50-200 ms
Cognitive processor cycle time	70 ms	25-170 ms
Motor processor cycle time	70 ms	30-100 ms
Effective working memory capacity	7 items	5-9 items

See also

• GOMS
• KLM (human-computer interaction)

References

• Lui, Yili; Feyen, Robert; and Tsimhoni, Omer. Queueing Network-Model Human Processor(QN-MHP): A Computational Architecture for Multitask Performance in Human-Machine Systems. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction. Volume 13, Number 1, March 2006, pages 37-70.