CogFlow: a schema-based platform for continuous experimental paradigms without code

Implementing complex cognitive experiments–particularly those requiring continuous task presentation or multi-window environments–typically demands substantial programming expertise. We present CogFlow, an open-source platform comprising a graphical Builder and portable Interpreter that enables researchers to configure and deploy experiments via human-readable JSON schemas, no coding required. The Builder provides drag-and-drop construction of experimental timelines from modular components (supporting paradigms like Random Dot Motion, Flanker, SART, N-back, Stroop, Simon, and others). Key innovation: unlike existing tools (PsychoPy, jsPsych, Lab.js), CogFlow supports continuous stimulus presentation and precise subtask scheduling via temporal constraints, enabling realistic multi-tasking environments. For example, our SOC Dashboard task simulates concurrent Security Operations Centre workloads across vigilance monitoring, log triage, and traffic analysis subtasks implementing paradigms like the N-back or Wisconsin Card Sorting paradigm. The JSON schema functions simultaneously as experimental controller and machine-readable specification, directly linking task configuration to computational modelling pipelines. Features include block-level parameter sampling, configurable response modalities, eye-tracking integration, and flexible deployment architecture: Cloudflare Workers for token-authenticated config and asset storage, JATOS integration for participant management, option of SharePoint export for enterprise environments, or standalone local browser deployment for in-house studies. Schema-validated specifications enhance reproducibility, enable systematic paradigm parameter exploration in simulation studies, and lower barriers for researchers in cognitive modelling, cybersecurity human factors, and applied attention research. CogFlow addresses a critical gap between GUI-based tools (inflexible) and code-based platforms (inaccessible to non-programmers).