kaftt

Kaftt is a hypothetical unit used in a cognitive-load framework for evaluating interactions in human-computer interfaces. It is defined as the amount of mental effort required to complete a standard baseline task under controlled conditions, normalized by task duration and subjective effort ratings. In practice, researchers estimate kaftt values using a combination of performance metrics, physiological indicators, and self-reported scales.

Origin and etymology: The term was introduced in the Cognet design literature in the early 2020s as part of efforts to quantify workload beyond existing scales. The word 'kaftt' is a constructed term with no universal linguistic meaning; plural kaftts. The unit is dimensionless in most formulations.

Applications: Kaftt is used to compare interface complexity, to plan task sequences in onboarding studies, and to calibrate adaptive systems that tailor help or pacing. It is also used in education technology to adjust tutorials to maintain an intended cognitive load.

Limitations: Critics note that kaftt relies on context-sensitive calibrations and can reflect individual differences in familiarity, fatigue, and motivation. Inter-study comparability requires standardized baselines and careful experimental control; some researchers prefer established measures such as NASA-TLX or physiological proxies.

See also: cognitive load theory, NASA-TLX, workload assessment, human-computer interaction.