cognitive-load-assessment

Cognitive Load Assessment

Assess cognitive load across three dimensions and provide actionable recommendations to reduce unnecessary burden on users.

The Three Types of Cognitive Load

Intrinsic load — complexity inherent in the task itself. A tax return is intrinsically complex. You cannot simplify the tax code. Focus: break into manageable steps, provide context, explain terms.

Extraneous load — complexity added by the design, not the task. Confusing navigation, unclear labels, inconsistent patterns, visual clutter. Focus: eliminate ruthlessly. Every instance is a fixable design failure.

Germane load — effort invested in the actual task. This is the load you WANT. The user engaging with their real goal. Focus: maximise this by removing the other two.

Assessment Framework

For each screen or step, evaluate:

Dimension	Low (good)	Medium (review)	High (redesign)
Decisions required	0–1	2–3	4+
Items to remember	None	1–2	3+
New concepts to learn	None	1	2+
Steps to complete	1–2	3–5	6+
Reading complexity	Plain language	Some jargon	Dense/technical
Visual complexity	Clean, focused	Moderate	Cluttered

If any dimension rates High, that screen needs redesign before launch.

How to Assess

1. Walk through the flow as a user who is tired, stressed, and unfamiliar
2. At each screen, count: decisions, things to remember, new concepts
3. Note where you pause, re-read, or feel uncertain — those are load spikes
4. Map the load type: is the difficulty intrinsic or extraneous?
5. Recommend specific reductions for each extraneous load source

Reduction Strategies

• Progressive disclosure: show only what the current step needs
• Smart defaults: pre-select the most common option
• Chunking: group into sets of 3–5 related items
• Recognition over recall: show options, don't make users remember
• Persistent context: show key selections throughout a flow
• One primary action per screen: de-emphasise secondary actions

Output Format

Present the assessment as a screen-by-screen table showing load ratings, followed by prioritised recommendations sorted by impact.