UX Cognitive Load Checker

Evaluate working memory burden and identify opportunities to reduce mental effort.

Cognitive Load Types

1. Intrinsic Load

Inherent complexity of the task itself. Cannot be eliminated, must be managed.

Examples: Form with many required fields, complex configuration options

2. Extraneous Load

Unnecessary cognitive burden from poor design. Should be eliminated.

Examples: Unclear labels, inconsistent patterns, irrelevant information

3. Germane Load

Productive mental effort that aids learning. Should be optimized.

Examples: Helpful tutorials, meaningful categorization, progressive disclosure

Evaluation Metrics

Decision Points per Screen

Count distinct choices user must make:

Information Density

Evaluate content-to-space ratio:

• • Is whitespace used to group related items?
• • Are there visual breaks between sections?
• • Can user scan quickly to find key info?
• • Is there a clear visual hierarchy?

Working Memory Demands

Does user need to remember information?

• • Selections persisted visibly (not just in memory)
• • Cross-reference info shown in context
• • No need to navigate away to recall data
• • Chunking used for long lists (5-7 items per group)

Attention Competition

Do elements compete for focus?

• • Single primary CTA per screen
• • Clear visual hierarchy guides eye
• • No more than 2-3 items at same visual weight
• • Animations/movements minimized

Hick's Law Application

Time to decide increases logarithmically with number of choices.

Formula: RT = a + b × log2(n)

Practical guidance:

Miller's Law Application

Working memory holds 7 ± 2 items.

Practical limits:

• •Navigation items: 5-9 maximum
• •Form sections: 3-5 visible at once
• •List items before pagination: 7-10
• •Tabs: 5-7 maximum

Red Flags Checklist

Visual Overload

• • More than 3 font sizes visible
• • More than 5 colors (excluding images)
• • Dense text blocks without headers
• • Multiple competing animations

Decision Overload

• • All options presented at equal weight
• • No recommended/default option
• • Too many choices without filtering
• • No clear "next step" path

Memory Demands

• • User must remember previous selections
• • Information referenced but not shown
• • Long forms without progress saving
• • Complex multi-step without summary

Output Format

# Cognitive Load Assessment: [Screen/Feature Name]

## Summary
- Overall load rating: Low/Medium/High/Critical
- Decision points: X
- Information density: X%
- Working memory items: X

## Load Breakdown

| Load Type | Level | Sources |
|-----------|-------|---------|
| Intrinsic | [Level] | [Task complexity factors] |
| Extraneous | [Level] | [Design issues] |
| Germane | [Level] | [Learning aids present] |

## Metrics

| Metric | Value | Threshold | Status |
|--------|-------|-----------|--------|
| Decision points | X | ≤6 | ✅/⚠️/❌ |
| CTAs competing | X | ≤2 | ✅/⚠️/❌ |
| Memory items | X | ≤7 | ✅/⚠️/❌ |
| Visual weight levels | X | ≤3 | ✅/⚠️/❌ |

## Issues Found
1. **[Issue]**: [Description] → [Cognitive impact]

## Recommendations
1. **[Change]**: [Rationale] → [Expected load reduction]

Reduction Strategies

Simplify

• •Remove non-essential options
• •Hide advanced features behind "Show more"
• •Use smart defaults

Chunk

• •Group related items (max 7 per group)
• •Use headers/dividers
• •Create logical sections

Sequence

• •Break into steps
• •Progressive disclosure
• •Wizard patterns for complex tasks

Support

• •Show context inline
• •Persist selections visibly
• •Provide recommendations

References

For cognitive psychology principles: See references/cognitive-principles.md