Cognitive Load & Decision Making
Miller's Law
Working memory holds roughly 7±2 items at once.
Takeaways
- 1
Keep visible navigation sets small and scannable.
- 2
Chunk long lists into categories or pages.
- 3
Do not ask users to remember data from prior screens.
Origins
Miller’s Law is often simplified as “seven plus or minus two,” a useful reminder that working memory is limited. Interfaces that present too many simultaneous items force users to rehearse information mentally.
Pagination, grouping, and progressive disclosure are practical responses to that limit.
Design Applications
- Limit top-level nav to five to seven items.
- Collapse secondary links into clear submenus.
- Repeat critical context on later steps instead of relying on recall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Miller's Law?
Working memory holds roughly 7±2 items at once.
How do you apply Miller's Law in UI design?
Limit top-level nav to five to seven items. Collapse secondary links into clear submenus. Repeat critical context on later steps instead of relying on recall.
Why does Miller's Law matter for user experience?
Keep visible navigation sets small and scannable. Chunk long lists into categories or pages. Do not ask users to remember data from prior screens.
