So You Think You Are a Multitasker?: A Qualitative Study to Understand Multitasking

Abstract

In the present day, the need and ability to multitask in or across devices is growing. However, these multitasking abilities are being introduced to devices without considering the effect they have on the cognitive workload of a user and its impact on one's productivity. Through our study described in this paper, we attempt to understand multitasking from a qualitative perspective by exploring the difference in multitasking behaviour of users when they deal with active and passive tasks. We also identify workarounds devised by users in order to minimize their cognitive workload while multitasking across apps on their mobile devices. Finally, we suggest certain guidelines that could be adopted by technology companies to aid users in effectively handling interruptions and switching across applications.