Investigating the use of visual aids in organizational decision-making: a cognitive perspective

Integrating cognitive science theories and practical applications, this thesis examines the role of visual aids in organizational decision-making, using sweet potato packing operations as a motivating case study. The research identifies significant gaps in current tools, which often fail to support all stages of decision-making, and proposes guidelines to design visual decision-support tools, that are grounded in cognitive science theories. These guidelines combine causal diagrams and interactive dashboards to assist the decision-making process and minimizes cognitive load by customizing information presentation based on user preferences and background, supporting their ability to process complex data. Additionally, Toulmin's model of argumentation is incorporated to improve the clarity and accountability of decision documentation. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning visualization tools with cognitive principles and user needs, aiming to enhance decision-making efficiency and effectiveness. The findings have broader implications for the design of decision-support tools in various industries, contributing to the development of more effective and user-centric visualization tools adaptable to dynamic decision-making environments.