Cognitive Load

Cognitive Load

Design for limited working memory. Reduce unnecessary effort.

Goal

Keep users within working memory limits. Reduce extraneous load. Manage task complexity. Support useful learning.

Load Types

• Intrinsic load: inherent task difficulty.
• Extraneous load: unnecessary effort caused by bad design.
• Germane load: useful effort that builds understanding.

Rules

• Do not try to remove required task complexity; manage it.
• Remove design noise first.
• Break complex flows into smaller steps.
• Use progressive disclosure.
• Use familiar patterns.
• Show clear feedback after actions.
• Create different paths for novice and expert users when needed.

Flow

1. Map the task steps.
2. Count decisions per step.
3. Label each load source as intrinsic, extraneous, or germane.
4. Remove or reduce extraneous load.
5. Chunk high intrinsic load.
6. Improve feedback and learnable patterns.
7. Define success metrics.

Common Extraneous Load

• Cluttered layout.
• Poor hierarchy.
• Inconsistent controls.
• Hidden actions.
• Jargon.
• Redundant information.
• Distracting animation.
• Too many choices at once.

Interventions

• Chunk tasks into 3-5 items per step.
• Add smart defaults.
• Show contextual help.
• Move rare choices behind disclosure.
• Use consistent interaction patterns.
• Put most important information first.
• Let users recover from mistakes.

Resources

• Cognitive Load Theory - John Sweller
• Don't Make Me Think - Steve Krug
• Laws of UX
• Nielsen Norman Group - Cognitive Load

Output

## Cognitive Load Analysis
- Feature/flow: [name]
- High-load steps: [steps]
- Intrinsic load: [sources and fixes]
- Extraneous load: [sources and removals]
- Germane load: [learning support]
- Metrics: [completion, time, errors, satisfaction]