Information overload, reloaded

Abstract

Editor's Summary A costly drain on productivity, information overload can stem from not only vast amounts of information but also a failure to filter information as presented. Information architects (IAs) are in a position to address the challenge, starting by distinguishing between macro information overload and micro information overload. At the macro level, physical storage limits and processing capacities present an obstacle to information access. Information overload at the micro level is a failure to filter information, interfering with a user's cognitive processing by presenting too many images, concepts, messages and other elements to sort through. If systems architects are skilled at recognizing signs of macro information overload, IAs should be able to identify signals of overload at the micro level, drawing on user experience design methods, and should develop ways to spot when information presented on a web page threatens to exceed a typical user's threshold for effective cognitive intake. The solution presents fertile ground for research and potential time and cost savings.