Cognitive Aspects of Memory and User Interface Design

Memory

The mental process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information.

Short-term Memory

Memory lasting seconds to a minute, low capacity.

Long-term Memory

Memory lasting minutes to years, high capacity.

Item-features

Connected pairs of items and their attributes.

Change Blindness

Failure to notice changes in visual stimuli.

Modes

Different states in software affecting user actions.

Mode-errors

Mistakes due to forgetting current software mode.

Search Terms

Keywords used to generate search results.

UI Instructions

Guidelines displayed to assist user navigation.

False Memories

Inaccurate recollections of past events.

Mandela Effect

Shared false memory among a group of people.

Augment Memory

Using tools to enhance memory retention.

Attention

The cognitive process of focusing on specific stimuli.

Flow Theory

State of complete absorption in an activity.

Priming

Exposure to one stimulus influences response to another.

Familiarity Preference

Tendency to favor known over efficient solutions.

Volatility

Short-term memory's tendency to forget quickly.

Complex Menus

Difficult-to-remember navigation options in software.

Emotional Weighting

Emotions affect how memories are stored and recalled.

Memory Distribution

Memories stored across multiple brain regions.

Task-based Design

Design approach focusing on user tasks and goals.

Recognition

Identifying previously encountered information.

Immediate Attention Tools

Tools like bookmarks to assist short-term focus.

Goal Reinforcement

Emphasizing user objectives in user interface design.

Clean-Up Actions

Tasks forgotten after achieving primary goals.

Social Media Distraction

Loss of focus due to social media engagement.

Memory Loss

Inaccuracy and detail loss in long-term memory.

Recall

Reactivation of neural patterns without similar input.

Learning from Experience

Extracting rules from familiar patterns unconsciously.

Learning from Complex Situations

Generalizing with incomplete information from many variables.

Automatic Behavior

Actions become automatic through repetition.

Tacit Knowledge

Knowledge we cannot articulate or explain.

Problem Solving

Devising solutions for unfamiliar problems using cortex.

Diagnostic Tools

Tools to identify issues within a system.

Gulf of Execution

Gap between user goals and tool operations.

Task Analysis

Identifying user goals and common tasks.

Conceptual Model

Mapping between tools, functions, and user goals.

Objects in UI

Elements like text, images, and accounts.

Actions in UI

User interactions such as writing and commenting.

Responsiveness

Keeping users informed of system processes.

Progress Indicators

Visual cues showing task completion status.

Busy Indicators

Signals that a process is ongoing.

User-generated Hints

Hints provided by users for passwords or codes.

Visual Elements

Use of images and buttons for better recognition.

Cognitive Load

Mental effort required to process information.

Feedback Mechanisms

Notifications and error messages for user actions.

Overgeneralization

Making broad conclusions from limited information.

System Status Indication

Showing whether the system is online or saving.

User Progress Indication

Informing users about task completion time.

Distinctiveness in UI

Avoiding similar terms to reduce confusion.

Time Constraints

Activities require time, affecting user perception.

Anticipatory Design

Designing systems that predict user actions.

Learning Actions

Repetition leads to automatic or semi-automatic actions.

Social Media Security

Risks of staying logged in on public computers.

ATM Card Retrieval

Requirement to take card before cash withdrawal.