Measuring cognitive load as a leading indicator

A 7-dimension framework for decision capacity.

DLI Dimensions
Open Loops Unresolved commitments
Unprocessed Inputs Inbox items awaiting triage
Ambiguous Actions Tasks without clear next steps
Context Switches Domain transitions per day
Deadline Proximity Temporal pressure density
Decision Volume Choices required per hour
Recovery Time Hours since last cognitive rest

Hypothesis: Subjective reports of these dimensions correlate with observable cognitive throughput degradation. This is testable and potentially falsifiable.

See the Methodology Framework details, limitations, and data.