cognitive-load-assessment
Assess and reduce cognitive load in interfaces, flows, and content. Use when designing or reviewing any multi-step process, complex form, dashboard, decision flow, or information-dense screen. Triggers on: cognitive load, too complex, overwhelmed, too many steps, decision fatigue, confusing, information overload, simplify this flow. Applies to any interface where users must think, decide, or remember.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/inclusive-design-skills --skill cognitive-load-assessment- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads cognitive-load-assessment automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Cognitive Load Assessment
Assess cognitive load across three dimensions and provide actionable recommendations to reduce unnecessary burden on users.
The Three Types of Cognitive Load
Intrinsic load — complexity inherent in the task itself. A tax return is intrinsically complex. You cannot simplify the tax code. Focus: break into manageable steps, provide context, explain terms.
Extraneous load — complexity added by the design, not the task. Confusing navigation, unclear labels, inconsistent patterns, visual clutter. Focus: eliminate ruthlessly. Every instance is a fixable design failure.
Germane load — effort invested in the actual task. This is the load you WANT. The user engaging with their real goal. Focus: maximise this by removing the other two.
Assessment Framework
For each screen or step, evaluate:
| Dimension | Low (good) | Medium (review) | High (redesign) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decisions required | 0–1 | 2–3 | 4+ |
| Items to remember | None | 1–2 | 3+ |
| New concepts to learn | None | 1 | 2+ |
| Steps to complete | 1–2 | 3–5 | 6+ |
| Reading complexity | Plain language | Some jargon | Dense/technical |
| Visual complexity | Clean, focused | Moderate | Cluttered |
If any dimension rates High, that screen needs redesign before launch.
How to Assess
- Walk through the flow as a user who is tired, stressed, and unfamiliar
- At each screen, count: decisions, things to remember, new concepts
- Note where you pause, re-read, or feel uncertain — those are load spikes
- Map the load type: is the difficulty intrinsic or extraneous?
- Recommend specific reductions for each extraneous load source
Reduction Strategies
- Progressive disclosure: show only what the current step needs
- Smart defaults: pre-select the most common option
- Chunking: group into sets of 3–5 related items
- Recognition over recall: show options, don't make users remember
- Persistent context: show key selections throughout a flow
- One primary action per screen: de-emphasise secondary actions
Output Format
Present the assessment as a screen-by-screen table showing load ratings, followed by prioritised recommendations sorted by impact.
FAQ
What does the cognitive-load-assessment skill do?
Assess and reduce cognitive load in interfaces, flows, and content. Use when designing or reviewing any multi-step process, complex form, dashboard, decision flow, or information-dense screen. Triggers on: cognitive load, too complex, overwhelmed, too many steps, decision fatigue, confusing, information overload, simplify this flow. Applies to any interface where users must think, decide, or remember.
How do I install cognitive-load-assessment?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/inclusive-design-skills --skill cognitive-load-assessment in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/cognitive-load-assessment/ (personal) or .claude/skills/cognitive-load-assessment/ (project).
Which AI agents can use cognitive-load-assessment?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is cognitive-load-assessment safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains cognitive-load-assessment?
It is published by owl-listener in owl-listener/inclusive-design-skills. It has 88 recorded installs.
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