Directional Navigation Part 2 (Cognitive)

Vibe Check – Reducing Cognitive Load for a More Accessible Web

Creating an accessible website means understanding the different ways people process and interact with digital content. Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required to use a website, and when it’s too high, it can create barriers for people with cognitive disabilities.

One design element that increases cognitive load is directional navigation—instructions like “go to the bottom of the page to find the button.” Let’s explore why this creates usability challenges and how to design for cognitive accessibility instead.

A Personal Story – When Navigation Became a Mental Maze

I once worked on a project and came across a complexed experience. The instructions said, “Scroll to the bottom of the page to find Submit.” The problem? On a mobile device, “the bottom” wasn’t where I expected it. I scrolled past the form, missed the button, and got stuck.

After multiple failed attempts, I gave up, frustrated. That moment made it clear—cognitive-friendly design isn’t just about simplicity; it’s about predictability and clarity.

Let’s break down how cognitive load affects navigation and how to design for clarity.

Elevate the Vibe – How Cognitive Load Impacts Navigation

Understanding Cognitive Load

Cognitive load affects how people absorb and interact with information. There are three types, each influencing accessibility:

Intrinsic Cognitive Load – The difficulty of the content itself.
- Example: Learning advanced coding concepts requires more mental effort than reading basic instructions.
Extraneous Cognitive Load – The effort caused by poor design, unnecessary complexity, or distractions.
- Example: A cluttered form with unclear instructions forces people to spend extra energy figuring out what to do.
Germane Cognitive Load – The effort needed to process and store useful information in memory.
- Example: Interactive learning exercises that reinforce knowledge rather than overwhelm people.

When websites reduce extraneous load and support germane load, they improve usability for people with cognitive disabilities.

Self-Reflection – Are You Making Navigation Harder Than It Should Be?

Directional navigation like “scroll to the bottom” or “click the button on the right” creates friction for many people because:

Memory Overload – People must remember instructions while navigating, which can be difficult on complex pages.
Processing Speed – People with slower processing speeds struggle to follow vague directions, leading to frustration.
Inconsistency Across Devices – What is “at the bottom” on desktop might be midway on mobile, causing confusion.

Ask yourself:

Am I giving people direct ways to access content instead of making them search for it?
Does my navigation stay clear and predictable, regardless of screen size?
Have I tested my design with people who rely on different cognitive processing methods?

If any of these raise concerns, it’s time to simplify the experience.

Vibe in Action – Strategies to Reduce Cognitive Load

Use Direct Links Instead of Directional Instructions

Avoid: “Go to the bottom of the page to find Settings.”
Use: “Visit [Settings] to update your preferences.” (where Settings is a direct link).

Simplify Navigation

Use clear, intuitive menus instead of multi-step processes.
Minimize clicks required to reach key content.

Provide Clear & Concise Instructions

Break complex tasks into short, step-by-step guides.
Use bullet points or numbered lists to make instructions easier to follow.

Ensure Layouts Are Predictable

Keep a consistent structure across pages.
Reduce visual clutter by using ample white space and clear headings.

Minimize Distractions

Avoid autoplaying videos, flashing content, or unexpected pop-ups.
Give people control over media playback and interactive elements.

Offer Multiple Ways to Access Content

Provide text, audio, and video options to accommodate different learning styles.
Ensure captions and transcripts are available for all media.

Vibing Out

When designers reduce cognitive load, they increase accessibility for people with cognitive disabilities—but also improve the experience for everyone. Simplified navigation, clear instructions, and direct access to content create a more intuitive web that requires less effort to use.

By rethinking how we structure and present information, we ensure that everyone—regardless of cognitive ability—can engage with and navigate digital spaces comfortably.