What is Miller’s Law?
Miller’s Law is a cognitive psychology principle stating that the average person can hold 7 (plus or minus 2) items in their short-term memory. This principle influences how information should be structured to avoid overwhelming users and improve usability.
Implications for Design:
- Chunking Information: Break down complex information into smaller, manageable chunks. For instance, instead of listing 15 options in a menu, group related options into categories with submenus to facilitate easier navigation.
- Simplifying Choices: Limit the number of choices presented to users to reduce cognitive load and make decision-making more manageable. For example, a form with too many fields might overwhelm users, so simplifying the form can enhance usability.
For example, a navigation menu with only a few key categories rather than an extensive list helps users find what they need quickly and efficiently, improving their overall experience.