The Cognitive Dimension of Exploratory Process Analysis: A Conceptual Vocabulary

Abstract

Exploratory process analysis (EPA) is inherently individual-dependent, yet process mining research remains predominantly focused on technological and algorithmic developments, leaving the human-centered aspect underrepresented. Systematic research into this aspect is currently hindered by a lack of shared conceptual handles. This paper addresses this gap by establishing a conceptual vocabulary grounded in cognitive psychology and human-computer interaction. We identify four knowledge types (declarative, procedural, conditional, and domain) and five core cognitive processes (attention, reasoning, problem solving, decision making, and memory) that govern how analysts interact with process data. Formalizing these cognitive elements provides the foundation for designing cognitively-aware BPM tools, developing effective practitioner training, and structuring future human-centered research in EPA.