Cognitive load and UX Design

Psychology is an integral part of UX Design. Understanding how people behave and think, as well as how their brains work, is fundamental to creating good experiences that are not only effective but also don't negatively impact the people who use them.

It's no secret that technology is overwhelming us. With constant notifications and information overload, our brains are struggling to keep up. This is causing problems like lower productivity, slower learning, and poor sleep. It's also making us feel stressed, frustrated, and irritable.

As UX designers, it's our job to create experiences that are easier for our brains. To do that, we need to understand cognitive load. Let's explore this concept in more detail.

Illustration by Joanna Litarowicz

What is cognitive load

Cognitive load theory was developed by John Sweller in the 1980s as part of research into problem-solving. The study found that the appropriate preparation of instructions and presentation of information to students could optimize…