Cognitive Load Glossary Definition

Term Cognitive Load
Definition

Cognitive Load is the amount of mental effort required to process information in working memory during a learning task.

Context & Usage

Designers manage intrinsic difficulty, reduce unnecessary extraneous load, and support meaningful processing so learners can focus on the intended objective.

Cognitive Load matters in instructional design because too much unnecessary complexity can interfere with understanding, practice, and transfer.

Categories Technical Writing and Documentation, Instructional Design, Technical Training, and Learning Development