28. Some Types of Mental Processing are More Challenging than Others

Three Different Types of Loads

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• Legenda: Loads represent the amount of mental resources used for each task you ask the user to complete.

Designing in the Correct Amount of Load

• Sometimes swapping one load for another can help improve the design. For example, a user would probably have an easier time understanding your design with more clicks (motor) and less thinking (cognitive) because the overall load is less.
• It never hurts to try and reduce the overall load of the product to make usability easier. Look for areas where you can remove a load without affecting the overall design and functionality.
• Always remember that using a cognitive load requires the most mental energy to complete. Too much cognitive load and you risk losing users.
• Most designs do better with overall lower loads. One of the exceptions to this rule is video games. In this format, load is purposely increased so that a person has to work more in order to solve the problem or advance to the next level

Science explains button size & placement

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• No need to memorize this crazy equation!
• Simply understand that when placing items within an interactive design that there is a connection between time, speed, and distance.
• Making a button or arrow too small can make it more difficult for an end user to find and use it.
• The goal of good design is to work on lessening the loads put on a user. In other words, don't make them work so hard that they don't want to continue interacting with your website, design, etc.
• Legenda: FITTS Law is a scientific principle that helps to determine how big an interactive element such as a button should be.