The mental workload
An integral part of the work of a UX designer is the simplification of information and operations towards the user when using a product or service, both digital and physical.
The Cognitive Load is the load of information that our memory can process at a certain time in order to be able to carry out a task.
Not being able to upgrade our brain as we can for a computer, we work in parallel making data and tasks more streamlined and essential in order to simplify interactions for the user.
In the UX field this is translated by building and testing more linear experiences until a specific goal is reached, which sees the user capable of interacting with the product in a logical, practical, simple way.
How do we accomplish all of this? In building digital applications, I prefer to start with a minimalist approach of the necessary elements that can mainly include three user cases:
- expert, knows digital tools well using them often and easily;
- curious, use digital tools discreetly when necessary;
- junior, use digital tools if you can’t help it by getting help.
From A to B in the shortest and fastest possible movement to meet the user’s requirements; we therefore consider these three categories to calibrate the experience of the digital product by building a path where the mental workload is as low as possible.
What needs to be done? Interviews with users and prototypes allow you to obtain quality feedback during the UX research process, but also during the product testing phase to help developers carry out the software debugging process more serenely and with a direction to follow.
Result? By lowering the Cognitive Load it will be easier for the user to complete its tasks, increasing the product approval rating, helping to develop better brand loyalty, making the customer satisfied and happy.
Happy prototyping!