Cognitive Load Theory
Cognitive Load & Information Processing
Cognitive Load Theory
John Sweller's theory that learning and task performance are affected by the total amount of mental activity imposed on working memory at any given time.
Explained
- Every element on screen draws from a limited pool of working memory.
- When the interface asks users to hold too much at once, comprehension and performance drop.
- Good design does the thinking for people rather than making them do it alongside the task.
- Removing steps, remembering state, and pre-filling inputs all lower the load.
In the wild
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