Managing Information Overload: Cognitive Strategies for Contractor and MEP Site Managers in the Construction Sector

Paper in proceeding, 2026

The construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with real-time data and digital interfaces becoming integral to site management. While these advancements improve efficiency and decision-making, they also introduce challenges related to cognitive overload, particularly for site managers who must process vast amounts of information daily. Excessive information inflow can impair decision-making, increase stress levels, and reduce overall efficiency and safety on construction sites. Despite significant efforts in digitalization, limited research has explored the cognitive impact of digital information flows on site managers' ability to process, prioritize, and act on critical data effectively. This study investigates the
cognitive load experienced by site managers due to digital information flows and explores how information presentation can be optimized to enhance decision-making while reducing stress and cognitive strain. The research identifies which information is most relevant at different decision points, assesses the cognitive burden associated with current digital interfaces, and proposes strategies to improve data visualization and filtering to minimize overload.

A qualitative approach was employed, consisting of semi-structured interviews with contractor site managers and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) site managers. The interviews captured their experiences, challenges, and strategies for managing digital information on-site. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns and insights regarding how digital tools impact decision-making and workload management across both general contracting and MEP disciplines. The study reveals that while digital tools provide valuable real-time data, site managers often struggle with excessive and poorly structured information, leading to decision fatigue and inefficiencies. Both contractor and MEP site managers emphasized the importance of prioritization and filtering mechanisms to ensure that only the most relevant information is presented at critical moments. Effective strategies for reducing
cognitive load included simplified dashboards, adaptive data filtering, and structured communication channels to avoid redundant or conflicting information.By refining the way real-time data is structured and presented, construction firms can enhance decisionmaking
processes, improve work efficiency, and reduce stress-related issues among site managers. The study highlights the need for user-centered digital solutions that align with the cognitive capacities of construction professionals. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions on optimizing digitalization in the industry, with implications for software development, site management practices, and organizational workflows.