Definition: The information flowing into our working memory at any given moment.
Insight: When our cognitive load exceeds our ability to store and process the information we become unable to retain it, or draw connections with information in our long term memory.
Insight: High cognitive load inhibits our ability to learn.
Insight: High cognitive load amplifies distractions.
Insight: Excessive hypertext or links on websites can increase cognitive load, as people move between pieces of information quickly.
Insight: Cognitive load increases the likelihood of errors in decision making, or the chances that we forget things.
Principle: Do not try to remember too much: make a checklist or cheat sheet to reduce cognitive load.
Principle: Simplify.
Insight: People with high cognitive load are more likely to accept default options.
Insight: Interventions that create or take advantage of a 'busy' environment with a strong default option are likely to have high adoption or behavioural change.
Insight: Lowering cognitive burdens within an environment can change behaviour or lead to more effective decision making.
Insight: Cognitive load occurs when a task that is taxing on the frontal cortex (e.g. a tough memory task) diminishes performance on a subsequent task.
Insight: Multitasking increases cognitive load.
Insight: Cognitive load makes people less prosocial - less charitable or helpful, or more likely to lie.
Insight: Cognitive load effects our ability to make effective decisions.
Insight: The more we use our mind, the less 'minding' power we have.
Insight: Cognitive load is related to willpower - the more cognitive load we have the more our willpower can be depleted.
Insight: Habits reduce cognitive load as habits are the act of the non-conscious mind doing something automatically, freeing up mental capacity to allocate to other tasks.
Insight: High cognitive load makes people more likely to be selfish, use sexist language, and make superficial judgements.
Insight: High cognitive load can weaken self control.
Insight: Gesturing, when explaining something for example, reduces cognitive load. This is paradoxical as doing two things together is supposed to increase cognitive load and lower performance.
Insight: Noise adds to our cognitive load. The brain processes sound even when we don't consciously hear it.
Principle: Sound-design your life: choose to incorporate sounds that make you feel happier and healthier.
Definition: Simultaneous engagement in tasks that deplete brain resources.
Insight: People under high cognitive load will rely on intuition to make decisions, and will be less likely to notice and correct errors that may arise.
Reference: John Sweller, 1980s, developed the cognitive load theory that it is more difficult to process information if it is coming verbally and in written form at the same time.
Principle: Avoid presentations with lots of text whilst talking, instead focus on easy to absorb visual displays.
Insight: For most people, lying or guilt increases cognitive load which can make it difficult to find comfort, and increase tension and distress.
Insight: Uncertainty itself can increase cognitive load and deplete attention.
Key Insights & Principles
Decision Making
Complexity increases cognitive load.
Cognitive load increases the likelihood of errors in decision making.
High cognitive load makes people more likely to accept default options.
Do not try to remember too much: make a checklist or cheat sheet to reduce cognitive load.