Thinking

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Overview | Understanding thinking | Cognitive processes (4) | Types of thinking (4) | Design guidance (2) | Pop. stats. (2)

Design guidance

Perception and attention | Memory and learning

  • Use structure to assist memory and learning
  • Reduce the number of information chunks that need to be kept in mind at any given time, and try not to exceed 5 as the best practice
  • Where hierarchy is used, ensure the current location within the overall hierarchy is always evident and try not to exceed three levels
  • Assist learning and recall through distinctive spatial positions for menu options, and be wary of the potential confusion if these positions change
  • Provide an obvious mechanism that allows users to get back to their previous location or home when navigating any menu structure
  • Consider the memory implication of unseen content if scrolling is required to obtain more menu items
  • Support learning by ensuring that all possible actions generate suitable feedback that guides the user
  • Try to ensure all actions are easily and immediately reversible, and try to constrain the availability of actions that would result in undesirable or irreversible outcomes
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