Assess Load

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