Working Memory Optimisation

Definition

Working Memory Optimisation examines the mechanisms, conditions and outcomes through which this factor shapes human cognition, learning, collaboration or sustainable performance in AI-supported settings.

Why this matters

Working Memory Optimisation may materially affect human capability, independence, confidence, safety and productivity. Poorly designed assistance can create hidden costs even where short-term output appears to improve.

Research questions

Which combinations of external memory support, AI summarisation and retrieval cues improve working-memory performance without reducing independent recall?

Hypotheses

Context-aware cueing delivered at task boundaries will improve multi-step accuracy more than continuous summarisation, while preserving unaided recall.

Proposed methods

controlled task experiments; repeated-measures studies; ecological momentary assessment; interaction telemetry; interviews; pre-registered analysis; active comparison; subgroup and accessibility analysis; delayed retention or longitudinal follow-up; adverse-effect capture; reproducibility testing; participant debrief

Stakeholders and beneficiaries

cognitive scientists; occupational psychologists; human-factors engineers; employers; educators; workers; AI product teams; neuropsychologists; cognitive assessment specialists