Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required for a user to process information and make decisions within a digital experience. High cognitive load can overwhelm users and slow or prevent progression.
Reducing unnecessary cognitive load helps users navigate experiences more efficiently.
Examples in Action
- Pages with excessive information or dense copy
- Complex navigation or unclear hierarchies
- Too many options presented at once
- Inconsistent or ambiguous labels
Typical Outcomes / Results
- Improved comprehension and usability
- Faster decision-making
- Reduced abandonment in complex journeys
- Higher overall engagement and conversion efficiency
This glossary entry reflects established principles from usability and behavioural research.