title: NASA TLX: software for assessing subjective mental workload.
abstract: The NASA Task Load Index (TLX) is a popular technique for measuring subjective mental workload. It relies on a multidimensional construct to derive an overall workload score based on a weighted average of ratings on six subscales: mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration level. A program for implementing a computerized version of the NASA TLX is described. The software version assists in simplifying collection, postprocessing, and storage of raw data. The program collects raw data from the subject and calculates the weighted (or unweighted) workload score, which is output to a text file. The program can also be tailored to a specific experiment using a simple input text file, if desired. The program was designed in Visual Studio 2005 and is capable of running on a Pocket PC with Windows CE or on a PC with Windows 2000 or higher. The NASA TLX program is available for free download.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Rm. 3160, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr., 48202, Detroit, MI. av9852@wayne.edu.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Rm. 3160, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr., 48202, Detroit, MI.
authors.forename: Keshav K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Chintamani
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Rm. 3160, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr., 48202, Detroit, MI.
authors.forename: Abhilash K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Pandya
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Rm. 3160, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr., 48202, Detroit, MI.
authors.forename: R Darin
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Ellis
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008606:Mental Processes; D011939:Mental Recall; D011930:Reaction Time; D012399:Rotation; D012984:Software; D016526:Workload