More than a Bundle? Developing Adaptive Guidance for Task Selection in an Online, Semantic-Based Cognitive Stimulation Program

TL;DR

This study explores how task order affects performance in a cognitive stimulation program and proposes adaptive guidance for better user experience.

Contribution

The study introduces a method for mapping tasks by challenge level to improve personalized task selection in cognitive programs.

Findings

Task characteristics significantly influence performance accuracy, indicating varying levels of challenge.

Spontaneous task selection was not guided by difficulty but by the spatial layout of buttons.

Optimal navigation paths were defined to enhance user success and engagement.

Abstract

Background: Cognitive stimulation programs typically consist of task collections (“bundles”) designed to cover various aspects of a cognitive domain and/or sustain user engagement. However, task order is often overlooked, despite variations in difficulty based on structure or mode of implementation. This study examined users’ performance accuracy across the eight tasks that comprise the BOX semantic-based program, adapted for the Cerup/CQ online platforms. Our ultimate goal was to map the tasks onto increasing levels of challenge within thematic clusters to provide guidance for personalized task selection. Methods: After adapting the program into Portuguese using original materials based on BOX task descriptions, we made Cerup and CQ (which share the same content but have different layouts) available as free web-based tools. Participants, primarily older adults without dementia, were invited to use these platforms for cognitive stimulation. We analyzed accuracy data as a function of activity-related characteristics (complexity scores, sentence- vs. word-level) as well as participants’ spontaneous task selection. Results: Task characteristics influenced performance accuracy, indicating different levels of challenge across activities. However, spontaneous task selection did not follow any discernible pattern beyond the spatial contiguity of activity buttons, which was unrelated to participants’ likelihood of success. Based on these findings, we defined optimal navigation paths for the eight tasks. Conclusions: Challenge-based, active guidance for task selection appears justified and necessary within the BOX/Cerup/CQ programs. Additionally, the method we developed may help other programs enhance user experience and optimize task progression.

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