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Cognitive load

Cognitive load is the amount of mental effort required to complete a task. For users, this includes understanding the user interface, figuring out what tasks to do, and how to complete these tasks.

Updated on October 30th, 2022

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As a UX designer, you must reduce your users' cognitive load as much as possible. Therefore, usability testing and applying design best practices are highly recommended.

Low cognitive loads help your users complete goals. That, in turn, helps your clients achieve business goals. One way of doing this is by making your designs intuitive and easy to use.

What causes cognitive load?

Cognitive load is caused by design choices and patterns that are unfamiliar to the user. It means that they have to learn how to use your interface instead of being able to complete tasks on autopilot.

Useful resources

Cognitive load - Interaction Design Foundation

Contributed by David Adurotimi

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