What is Cognitive Load Theory?

UX Law of Cognitive Load Theory, what it is and how you can apply it to design. 

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Cognitive Load Theory is a psychology term that’s based on how humans process information. 

The theory speaks to the limitations of the working memory to process too much information at once. 

The way our memory works is in three steps:

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Sensory Memory:

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New incoming information gets processed first by the sensory memory. Our sensory memory filters out most of what is going on around us and passes only select information to the next stage in our processing: the working memory. 

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Working Memory: 

The working memory is where the cognitive load theory applies. Our working memory can typically process between 5 - 9 pieces or grouped information at any given time. Some information is disregarded and other information is categorized for storing in the next stage, our long-term memory. 

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Long-Term Memory: 

Our long-term memory takes this information and categorizes it into what are called “schemas”. The more frequently we use these different schemas, the more developed they become, and the simpler it is to recall this information from our working memory. 

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Cognitive Load Theory suggests there is a limit to the amount of information our working memory can process at any given moment. For design and education purposes, this theory helps us organize information into small chunks so as to not overload users and learners with new information. This allows the user a better chance to convert that information from working memory to long-term memory. 

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How can you use this information to improve your design work? 

A solid example of this theory not being utilized is in cluttered web design layouts and too much information presented in long paragraphs. When you overload a web page with long paragraphs and a nonsensical layout, you overwhelm your users and it becomes difficult for your users to process all the information presented on the page which results in high cognitive load. 

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When a user becomes overwhelmed or their cognitive load becomes too high, that typically leads to a higher bounce rate on your website. If a user cannot locate the information they require quickly, or cannot make sense of a website in order to find the necessary information, they become frustrated and bounce to a competitor. 

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How can this be used in UX?

There are a few ways in which you can lower cognitive load through user experience design that can be applied to all areas of design media. 

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1. Simple is better: A clean and simple design can reduce the mental effort it takes to process the information on that page. That doesn’t mean it can’t be aesthetically beautiful, but simplicity is key. 
2. Grouping Information: For our users, it’s easier to process more information when the designer has grouped related information together in a concise manner. 
3. Clear Labels & Instruction: Be clear with your call to actions. For buttons, ensure that they are descriptive and clearly labeled. This allows a user to seamlessly navigate your site and find the information they require, fast. 
4. Minimize distractions: There is a fine line between necessary design elements and design elements that become too distracting. If you remove the unnecessary elements it can reduce the cognitive load and allow users to focus on the important information rather than being distracted and losing their focus. 

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Key Takeaways: 

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User’s can typically process 5 - 9 chunks of information at any given time. 

When presented with too many paragraphs, a users cognitive load can become too high and their likelihood of retaining information, diminishes. 

Clear direction and simplicity is the best way to not overload your users working memory.

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Sources: 

“Cognitive Load Theory.” Office of Educational Improvement, Medical College of Wisconsin, May 2022, www.mcw.edu/-/media/MCW/Education/Academic-Affairs/OEI/Faculty-Quick-Guides/Cognitive-Load-Theory.pdf.

“The Best Way to Learn UX/UI Design.” Uxcel, 2024, app.uxcel.com/glossary/cognitiveload.

‌Mind Tools. “Cognitive Load Theory.” Www.mindtools.com, 2022, www.mindtools.com/aqxwcpa/cognitive-load-theory.

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