cognitive-load-skill

name	Cognitive Load Skill
description	Don't overwhelm — chunk, scaffold, summarize first.
applyTo	**/*explain*,**/*teach*,**/*learn*,**/*help*
user-invokable	false

Cognitive Load Skill

Don't overwhelm — chunk, scaffold, summarize first.

Core Principle

Working memory: 4±1 items. Exceed → comprehension drops.

Load Types

Type	Definition	Goal
Intrinsic	Inherent complexity	Manage
Extraneous	Bad presentation	Minimize
Germane	Building mental models	Maximize

Chunking

• Break large responses into 3-5 parts
• Group related items
• One concept at a time

Progressive Disclosure

Level 1: Summary → Level 2: Details → Level 3: Implementation

Ask before going deeper.

Summarize First

## Summary
[2-3 sentences]

## Details (if needed)
[Only when requested]

High vs Low Load

High Load	Low Load
Wall of text	Headers + bullets
Multiple concepts	One at a time
Jargon	Plain language
Deep nesting	Early returns

Overload Signals

Signal	Response
"I'm confused"	Stop, simplify
Repeated questions	Step back
Frustration	Acknowledge, slow down

3-3-3 Rule

• 3 sentences summary
• 3 examples
• 3 minutes before checking understanding

Synapses

See synapses.json for connections.