Divide and conquer information overload by grouping related data into smaller, digestible chunks.
Definition
Chunking is a UX principle that advocates for the structuring of information into smaller, related sets. This makes it easier for users to process, understand, and remember the information.
Do
Group related information together to make it easier for users to process.
Limit the number of chunks to between five and nine items, as this is the range most people can comfortably remember.
Use visual cues, like borders or white space, to clearly distinguish between different chunks of information.
Avoid
Overwhelm users by presenting all information at once without any segmentation.
Create chunks that are too large; if a chunk has more than nine items, consider breaking it down further.
Mix unrelated information in the same chunk; this can confuse users and make it harder for them to remember.
When to apply
Presenting detailed instructions or complex information to users.
Designing forms or data collection interfaces.
Organizing content on a webpage, especially when it's heavy with text.