Hick's Law

The time it takes to make a decision increases as the number and complexity of choices increase. This law is a fundamental principle for designing systems that allow users to make choices quickly and easily.

To apply Hick's Law effectively, designers should:

• Minimize choices: When response times are critical, reduce the number of options to speed up decision-making.
• Break down complex tasks: Decompose long or complex processes into smaller, more manageable steps. This reduces the Cognitive Load on the user.
• Highlight recommended options: To avoid overwhelming users, guide them toward the best choices. This is especially useful when there are many options available.
• Use progressive onboarding: For new users, introduce features and options gradually to avoid information overload.

It's important to be mindful not to oversimplify. Simplifying to the point of abstraction can make an interface more difficult to understand and use.