Summary of "Design for Human Memory | Chapter 3: Knowledge in the Head vs. the World | Soumya #design #uiux"
Summary of “Design for Human Memory | Chapter 3: Knowledge in the Head vs. the World”
This video discusses a fundamental concept in UI/UX design: the balance between knowledge in the head and knowledge in the world to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.
Main Ideas and Concepts
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Knowledge in the Head Refers to what users must remember to use an app or website. For example, remembering complex gestures or hidden menus. This places a cognitive load on users and can lead to confusion or frustration.
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Knowledge in the World Refers to information or cues embedded in the interface itself, guiding users without requiring memory. Examples include visible icons, buttons, and clear navigation paths that help users understand what actions are possible immediately.
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Good UI/UX Design Minimizes reliance on memory by making navigation and options obvious and intuitive, thereby reducing user effort and errors.
Examples
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Bad Example: Email apps like Gmail and Apple Mail use swipe gestures (swipe right to archive, swipe left to delete) without visible buttons or cues, forcing users to remember these hidden features.
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Better Example: Instagram initially hid the archive option under a long-press gesture (knowledge in the head), but later introduced a clear button to make it easier to find (knowledge in the world).
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Progressive Disclosure: Not all features need to be visible all the time; essential features should be easy to find, while advanced options can be hidden in menus. For example, Google Docs keeps basic formatting options visible but hides advanced features.
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Familiar Design Patterns: Using standard UI elements that users already understand, such as a search bar at the top, a shopping cart icon in e-commerce apps, or a floating plus button for adding content. This leverages users’ prior knowledge and reduces confusion.
Methodology / Recommendations for Designers
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Minimize Memory Load: Avoid requiring users to remember complex gestures or hidden menus.
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Use Visual Cues and Intuitive Design: Make navigation and options clearly visible and understandable.
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Employ Progressive Disclosure: Show basic functions prominently; hide advanced options in menus.
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Leverage Familiar Patterns: Use common UI elements that users expect and understand.
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Goal: Create an experience where users immediately know what to do without having to stop and think.
Closing Notes
- The speaker invites viewers to suggest other topics for future chapters.
- Encourages comments about the most confusing apps users have encountered.
- Promotes liking, subscribing, and staying tuned for Chapter 4, which will focus on how constraints shape great design.
Speaker / Source
- Soumya (host and narrator of the video series)
Category
Educational
