Introduction: design and evaluation of notification user interfaces
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies - Notification user interfaces
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies - Notification user interfaces
"Constant, constant, multi-tasking craziness": managing multiple working spheres
Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
A diary study of task switching and interruptions
Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
No task left behind?: examining the nature of fragmented work
Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Time-related behaviour in multitasking situations
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
Technical opinion: Multitasking with laptops during meetings
Communications of the ACM - Inspiring Women in Computing
Human-Computer Interaction
Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Measuring multitasking behavior with activity-based metrics
ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI)
Information, Technology, and Information Worker Productivity
Information Systems Research
Making sense of multitasking: Key behaviours
Computers & Education
Making sense of multitasking: The role of Facebook
Computers & Education
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In this study, we develop a theoretical model that predicts an inverted-U relationship between multitasking and performance. The model is tested with a controlled experiment using a custom-developed application. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control condition, where they had to perform tasks in sequence, or an experimental condition, where they could discretionarily switch tasks by clicking on tabs. Our results show an inverted-U pattern for performance efficiency (productivity) and a decreasing line for performance effectiveness (accuracy). The results of this study indicate that the nature of the relation between multitasking and performance depends upon the metric used. If performance is measured with productivity, different multitasking levels are associated with an inverted-U curve where medium multitaskers perform significantly better than both high and low multitaskers. However, if performance is measured with accuracy of results, the relation is a downward slopping line, in which increased levels of multitasking lead to a significant loss in accuracy. Metaphorically speaking, juggling multiple tasks is much more difficult while balancing on a high wire, where performance mishaps can have serious consequences.