This Master's Thesis examines cognitive load and usability heuristics in simulation-based training, specifically through a case study of a medical training platform developed by Laerdal Global Health, known as LIFT Scenarios. The study aims to determine the extent to which usability heuristics help reduce the cognitive load experienced by observers while using LIFT Scenarios during medical simulation training.
Following the Improving Improvement model, the research systematically addresses the behavioural and user interface factors that influence cognitive load throughout the application. Each design phase employs various methods, including user tests, interviews, heuristic evaluations, and prototyping. A total of 20 participants were involved in the research activities, excluding observations. The application of usability heuristics positively impacted the ranking of the prototypes. However, a significant portion of the cognitive load associated with LIFT Scenarios is intrinsic, stemming from task difficulty or the skills of the facilitator. This research utilizes quick testing and evaluation methods that are both feasible and adaptable.