01 / THE IDEA
What does it mean?
Working memory is limited. Unnecessary decisions, jargon, and information compete with the user's actual task.
02 / IN PRACTICE
Make it concrete.
Illustrative example: A travel form asks for trip dates before presenting optional insurance choices.
03 / WHAT TO WATCH FOR
A common mistake.
Equating fewer words with lower cognitive load, even when labels become unclear.
04 / WHEN IT HELPS
When should you use it?
When users feel lost despite all the information being present.
05 / FURTHER READING
Explore the source.
Nielsen Norman Group — Cognitive Load ↗A reference for further learning, not an endorsement or verbatim quotation.