Cognitive Load
Cognitive Load refers to the mental effort required to process information. In UX, reducing cognitive load helps users navigate and interact with a product more efficiently, preventing overwhelm and frustration.
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The Psychology Behind It
Cognitive load theory, introduced by John Sweller, suggests that the human brain has limited working memory. When too much information is presented at once, users struggle to process it, leading to decision fatigue and abandonment.
There are three types of cognitive load:
Intrinsic Load – Complexity inherent to the task itself.
Extraneous Load – Unnecessary distractions that make processing harder.
Germane Load – Useful cognitive effort that leads to learning and problem-solving.
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Real-World Applications
Minimalist UI Design: Apple’s clean interfaces reduce extraneous load for users.
Step-by-Step Processes: Multi-step checkouts (e.g., Shopify) break down complex tasks.
Progressive Disclosure: Hiding advanced settings until needed prevents overload.
Chunking Information: Airbnb groups relevant details (dates, guests, location) into digestible sections.
Visual Examples
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Common Mistakes
Mistake: Overloading users with too much information at once.
Fix: Prioritize clarity with hierarchical layouts, concise copy, and intuitive navigation.
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How to Apply It in Your Design
Reduce distractions – Keep interfaces visually clean.
Break tasks into steps – Use multi-step forms instead of long, overwhelming ones.
Use clear hierarchy – Guide the user’s attention with typography and spacing.
Leverage familiar patterns – Avoid forcing users to learn new, complex interactions.
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Key Takeaways
Simpler interfaces improve usability and reduce mental strain.
Too much information at once overwhelms users.
Breaking content into digestible pieces improves retention and engagement.
User Psychology 3
Psychology Behind UX Design
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