Assess Load
Map the cognitive load across a complete multi-step process and identify where users are most likely to struggle, give up, or make errors.
Process
Step 1: Map the Journey
List every step in the process from start to completion. For each step, note: what the user sees, what they must do, and what they must decide.
Step 2: Rate Each Step
Using cognitive-load-assessment, evaluate each step across all six dimensions (decisions, memory, concepts, steps, reading, visual). Record the rating for each.
Step 3: Identify Load Spikes
Plot the load across the journey. Identify:
- Steps where load suddenly increases (load spikes)
- Consecutive steps with medium-or-higher load (sustained load)
- Points where users must remember information from earlier steps (memory bridges)
Step 4: Check Navigation and Memory
Using wayfinding-navigation and memory-load-reduction, verify:
- Can users always get back to a previous step?
- Is progress saved automatically?
- Is key context carried forward between steps?
- Can users see where they are in the overall process?
Step 5: Recommendations
For each load spike or sustained load zone, recommend specific design changes to bring the load rating down.
Output
Deliver a cognitive load map: a step-by-step table showing the load rating at each point in the journey, annotated with:
- Load spikes flagged in red
- Memory bridges highlighted
- Specific reduction recommendations for each issue
- An overall cognitive load score for the process