Miller’s Law

Miller's Law suggests that the average person can hold about 7 (±2) items in their working memory at once. However, this law shouldn't be taken too literally in interface design. It's not so much about remembering items as it is about managing them effectively. The key takeaway is the benefit of chunking — grouping information into manageable units. This approach helps users scan, comprehend, and navigate content more easily, without the burden of keeping multiple items in memory.

Here are some practical tips to apply this law effectively:

• Maintain visual hierarchy: Use design elements like headers, bullet points, and spacing to organize content clearly. This helps prevent the interface from becoming a wall of text, making it easier for users to find information.
• Adapt to context: Recognize that the ideal number of chunks may vary based on the user’s familiarity with the content and the specific context of use. Tailor the interface accordingly to optimize user experience.