In a website or an application design, it is easy to get carried away by some of the latest design trends or some flashy features. Understanding the psychology of the user, though, could very well be the most critical factor for delivering a successful user experience. That's to say, while creating information architecture, it becomes more effective if aware of how users process information according to the roles bestowed by cognitive load in order to avoid frustration in users. In this article, we'll see how user psychology comes into the mix in both cognitive load and information architecture, and ways you can leverage these principles to produce better user experiences.
What is Cognitive Load?
Cognitive load refers to the quantum of mental effort needed to complete a task. This will have something to do with the mental effort one puts in to get around the interface and use it effectively in regard to website or app design. The higher your cognitive load, the more frustrated or inclined to give up your users are to complete tasks.
How does user psychology impact cognitive load?
User psychology has an enormous effect on one's cognitive load. It simply means that users differ in experience, the level of knowledge of computing systems, and familiarity, which makes them more or less able to use a website or an app. Understandably, knowledge of these differences will help in the design of interfaces where it suits the user's needs and abilities best to reduce cognitive overload.
For example, if you were dealing with older people who don't understand technology, then you would make the interface less complicated: bigger buttons and clearer instructions. While in the case of a young audience that loves technology, you would make an intricate interface with many other features and options.
What is information architecture?
Information architecture may be defined as organization and structuring of information on a website or app. Information architecture in its making has to be very effective since it attends to the reduction of cognitive load and improving user experiences. Structure the information in a logical intuitive way so that users can find the needed information fast, easily, without frustration, and getting overwhelmed.
How does understanding user psychology help in planning information architecture?
Understanding how users process and prioritize information will help you in the design of effective information architecture. For example, users normally process hierarchical information where important information is at the top and less-important information farther down. By that principle, you should lay out your website or any app in such a way as to put forward the very key information that makes sense to the user with the least cognitive load.
Another key principle of user psychology is that of "chunking" information. The user is able to process only a limited amount of information at any particular time, so breaking down information into smaller, more digestible chunks becomes important. Through easier intake and retention, chunking aids users in processing information, reducing cognitive load and creating a better user experience.
Conclusion:
To develop an information architecture that enables effective design and reduces the cognitive load, in-depth knowledge of the user's psychology is needed. You could apply such principles as chunking to hierarchy and create interfaces tailored to the needs and abilities of the user. Adequately meeting these requirements has effects in terms of increasing user satisfaction and reducing frustration. By taking an effective amount of time to understand user psychology and interface design that portrays these principles, you would manage to build intuitive and engaging websites and apps.