Short answer
Strive for absolute clarity in all visual communication, especially for complex processes, by rigorously testing for and eliminating any potential for misinterpretation.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Process Science (2025)
- Method
- Mixed-methods (quantitative eye-tracking and qualitative think-aloud data collection)
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Ambiguous elements within process models significantly hinder user understanding and increase mental effort, leading to potential errors and misinterpretations. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Process Science. Using Mixed-methods (quantitative eye-tracking and qualitative think-aloud data collection), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Strive for absolute clarity in all visual communication, especially for complex processes, by rigorously testing for and eliminating any potential for misinterpretation.
Ambiguity in Process Models Increases Cognitive Load and Decreases Comprehension
Ambiguous elements within process models significantly hinder user understanding and increase mental effort, leading to potential errors and misinterpretations.
Process Science · 2025
Key Findings
- 01Ambiguities in process models significantly increase cognitive load.
- 02Ambiguities negatively impact model comprehension.
- 03Ambiguities influence users' visual attention patterns.
- 04Users exhibit specific behaviors when attempting to resolve ambiguities.
Application
Design takeaway
Strive for absolute clarity in all visual communication, especially for complex processes, by rigorously testing for and eliminating any potential for misinterpretation.
How to apply
Before finalizing any process diagram or visual interface, conduct a review specifically looking for elements that could be interpreted in more than one way. Use clear labeling, consistent notation, and provide supporting documentation where necessary.
Project actions
- 01When designing interfaces or diagrams, ensure all labels and icons are unambiguous.
- 02Test your designs with target users to identify any points of confusion.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Combines objective eye-tracking data with subjective user feedback.
- +Investigates multiple types of ambiguity.
Limitations
The complexity of the models used and the specific domain of business processes might limit the direct applicability to simpler design tasks.
Reliability & validity
The use of eye-tracking provides objective behavioral data, while think-aloud protocols offer insights into cognitive processes. Reliability would depend on consistent application of stimuli and analysis methods. Validity would be enhanced by ensuring the chosen ambiguities are representative and the participant sample is diverse.
Think critically
How might the specific context or domain of a process model influence the impact of different types of ambiguity?
Design Principles
"Clarity in representation minimizes cognitive load and maximizes user comprehension."
In design practice, clarity and interpretability are paramount for effective communication and successful implementation of systems or processes. Ambiguity can lead to costly rework, user frustration, and failure to achieve intended outcomes.
What This Means for Your Design
Confusing diagrams make it harder for people to understand what they are supposed to do and make them think harder, which can lead to mistakes.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of clear visual communication and the potential negative impacts of ambiguity in your design process.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that ambiguity within visual models, such as process diagrams, significantly increases cognitive load and reduces comprehension. This suggests that designers must prioritize clarity and unambiguous representation in their work to ensure effective user understanding and prevent potential errors.
Source
Process Science
When a model gives you mixed signals: cognitive effects and visual behavior
journal · 2025
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about ambiguity in process models increases cognitive load and decreases comprehension?
- Strive for absolute clarity in all visual communication, especially for complex processes, by rigorously testing for and eliminating any potential for misinterpretation. Evidence: Process Science (2025).
- Why does "Ambiguity in Process Models Increases Cognitive Load and Decreases Comprehension" matter for design?
- In design practice, clarity and interpretability are paramount for effective communication and successful implementation of systems or processes. Ambiguity can lead to costly rework, user frustration, and failure to achieve intended outcomes.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Strive for absolute clarity in all visual communication, especially for complex processes, by rigorously testing for and eliminating any potential for misinterpretation.
- What were the main findings?
- Ambiguities in process models significantly increase cognitive load.. Ambiguities negatively impact model comprehension.. Ambiguities influence users' visual attention patterns.. Users exhibit specific behaviors when attempting to resolve ambiguities.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods (quantitative eye-tracking and qualitative think-aloud data collection).
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Process Science.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Before finalizing any process diagram or visual interface, conduct a review specifically looking for elements that could be interpreted in more than one way. Use clear labeling, consistent notation, and provide supporting documentation where necessary.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on specific types of ambiguity within business process models; findings may not generalize to all forms of visual modeling or all user groups.