| name | cognitive-load |
| description | Reduce unnecessary mental effort with Cognitive Load Theory. Use when complex workflows, onboarding, forms, information architecture, or feature-rich interfaces overwhelm users; separate intrinsic task difficulty from extraneous UI friction and avoid using this only for copy clarity or choice-count problems. |
Cognitive Load
Design for limited working memory.
Reduce unnecessary effort.
When to Use
- Designing complex forms or workflows.
- Creating onboarding.
- Simplifying feature-rich interfaces.
- Planning information architecture.
- Improving task completion.
- Reviewing usability problems.
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
- Map the task steps.
- Count decisions per step.
- Label each load source as intrinsic, extraneous, or germane.
- Remove or reduce extraneous load.
- Chunk high intrinsic load.
- Improve feedback and learnable patterns.
- 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
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]
