Design research on “cognitive load and interface complexity”

24 matching studies

• Human Factors · 2015

  Task design complexity influences cognitive load and L2 performance

  When designing tasks, incrementally increase complexity and use cognitive load measures to confirm that the intended level of challenge is achieved, rather than assuming complexity based solely on the number of components.

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• Human Factors · 2015

  Interface design logic is influenced by mental model and cognitive load

  Design interfaces that align with common user mental models and minimize cognitive strain to improve reasoning and usability.

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• Human Factors · Behavioral Sciences · 2025

  Reducing elderly users' cognitive load in mobile news apps through simplified visual design, especially keyword color.

  Prioritize clean, uncluttered interfaces and use color strategically, especially for keywords, to enhance usability for elderly users.

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• Human Factors · Heliyon · 2024

  Mobile learning UI design can be optimized by measuring extraneous cognitive load

  When designing mobile learning applications, actively measure and reduce extraneous cognitive load by simplifying the user interface.

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• Human Factors · Jurnal Kependidikan · 2025

  Optimizing Task Design to Enhance Long-Term Knowledge Retention

  Break down complex tasks into smaller, sequential steps and ensure that the difficulty level is appropriate for the target user's cognitive abilities to maximize long-term learning and retention.

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• Human Factors · Scientific Reports · 2026

  Bullet-point reviews reduce cognitive load by 11.8% for complex media decisions

  For content that requires significant cognitive effort to understand (e.g., complex narratives, technical products), opt for concise, structured presentation formats like bullet points to minimize user cognitive load and enhance decision-making.

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• User-Centred Design · Journal of Computer Science · 2010

  Adaptive interfaces reduce cognitive load in complex multi-robot supervision tasks

  Design interfaces that allow users to customize or automatically adapt the information displayed based on the current task, their expertise, and the system's state to minimize cognitive overload.

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• Human Factors · 2021

  Unified Bridge Interface Reduces Operator Cognitive Load by 30%

  Prioritize the development of unified interfaces for complex control systems to minimize operator cognitive load and enhance performance.

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• User-Centred Design · Applied Sciences · 2025

  Adaptive interfaces in Industry 5.0 must prioritize cognitive ergonomics for enhanced operator performance and satisfaction.

  Design adaptive interfaces that dynamically adjust to the operator's cognitive state, providing support when needed and reducing complexity to prevent overload.

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• User-Centred Design · Frontiers in Neuroscience · 2014

  Adaptive Instruction Systems Should Monitor Cognitive Load via EEG for Optimal Learning

  Incorporate real-time cognitive load monitoring into digital learning interfaces to dynamically adjust content and pacing, ensuring optimal user engagement and learning.

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• Human Factors · Sensors · 2021

  EEG signals reveal cognitive load saturation in complex code comprehension

  Incorporate physiological monitoring, such as EEG, to gain objective insights into user cognitive load, especially in domains involving complex information processing.

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• Human Factors · INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MULTIMODAL INTERACTION · 2023

  Mixed Reality Interfaces Reduce Cognitive Load in Human-Robot Collaboration

  When designing for human-robot collaboration, opt for mixed reality interfaces to reduce operator cognitive load and boost performance.

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• Human Factors · 2020

  Working memory capacity significantly impacts forecasting accuracy under cognitive load

  When designing for tasks that require forecasting or complex decision-making, actively manage cognitive load and consider the working memory capacity of the intended users.

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• Human Factors · 2025

  Clear Visual Hierarchy and Simplified Navigation Reduce Cognitive Load in B2B Cloud Software by 30%

  Designers must proactively reduce cognitive load by ensuring interfaces are intuitive, predictable, and visually organized according to user expectations.

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• Human Factors · arXiv (Cornell University) · 2024

  Non-linear AI interaction reduces cognitive load by simplifying complex task exploration

  When designing AI-powered tools for complex tasks, move beyond linear chat interfaces and explore visual, node-based interaction models to reduce user cognitive load and improve comprehension.

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• Human Factors · Human Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society · 2005

  Cognitive Load Amplifies Task Difficulty for Individuals with Lower Cognitive Abilities

  When designing for complex tasks, consider not only the task's inherent difficulty but also the cognitive capacity of the intended users, especially when aiming for equitable outcomes.

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• Human Factors · Sensors · 2023

  AR instructions reduce task time by up to 15% but increase cognitive load for complex industrial tasks.

  Prioritize AR for complex industrial tasks where time savings and enhanced learning are critical, but be mindful of the increased cognitive demands and consider user support or training to manage this.

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• Human Factors · mediaTUM – the media and publications repository of the Technical University Munich (Technical University Munich) · 2017

  Detection Response Task (DRT) effectively quantifies cognitive load in complex environments

  Incorporate objective cognitive load measures like the DRT during user testing to identify and mitigate potential distraction or performance issues early in the design process.

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• User-Centred Design · Behaviour and Information Technology · 2023

  Five-second testing is unreliable; adapt stimulus exposure time to user cognition and complexity.

  Designers should move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to rapid first impression testing and instead tailor the exposure time based on the cognitive capabilities of their target users and the visual complexity of the design being evaluated.

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• Human Factors · DigitalGeorgetown (Georgetown University Library) · 2010

  Cognitive complexity in tasks significantly impacts learning outcomes and interaction patterns.

  Structure tasks to strategically increase cognitive demand when specific learning outcomes are desired, and be mindful of how the chosen communication medium might amplify or mitigate these effects.

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• Human Factors · 2023

  Element Interactivity: A Key Metric for Quantifying Task Complexity in Design

  When designing interfaces or processes, actively analyze the number of interacting information elements and consider the target user's existing knowledge to simplify the task and reduce cognitive burden.

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• Human Factors · Scientific Reports · 2024

  Heart Rate Dynamics Accurately Estimate Cognitive Load in Driving Scenarios

  Incorporate physiological sensing (like heart rate monitoring) into the design of interactive systems, especially those involving complex tasks, to create adaptive and responsive user experiences.

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• Human Factors · ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information · 2020

  Saccade patterns reveal cognitive load differences in map navigation

  When designing interfaces for spatial information, pay attention to how users scan and move their eyes rapidly, as this can signal cognitive strain more effectively than just where they look.

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• Human Factors · Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society · 2021

  Reducing cognitive load in climate data visualization halves response times and improves decision-making.

  Designers should actively seek ways to reduce the cognitive load on users by simplifying visual complexity and providing intuitive interaction methods, especially when dealing with data-intensive applications.

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