Article published in the Journal of Decision Systems

In an experimental study with 65 participants, we investigated how different types of information (descriptions, predictions and prescriptions) in operational dashboards influence cognitive and task load. Using questionnaires, qualitative interviews and eye tracking measurements, we showed that mental demands increase with increasing information complexity. At the same time, recommendations for action can reduce emotional stress reactions such as frustration, as users trust the system more.

The paper offers theoretical and practical implications for the design of real-time dashboards in Industry 4.0 and shows ways in which operational dashboards can be designed to be user-centered in order to avoid excessive demands and support decision-making processes.

The authors are: Philip Stahmann (TU Dortmund University), Alena Rodda (Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences), Maximilian Nebel (TU Dortmund University), Alexander van der Staay (TU Dortmund University), Christian Janiesch (TU Dortmund University), and Frank Teuteberg (Osnabrück University). The paper was published as open access in the Journal of Decision Systems and can be accessed here:
https://doi.org/10.1080/12460125.2025.2593245

The Journal of Decision Systems is a specialist journal published by Taylor & Francis and covers research on decision support systems and data-driven decision-making processes in business and technology.