Snap Chat Ultra 2.0 Lessens Cognitive Load
Cognitive load, defined as tasking the working memory of the brain to store information, quickly turns into cognitive overload when too much information is loaded into the brain. This causes indecision and confusion stressing the individual and dramatically turning the activity stressful. In our design, we take key steps to reduce this. The first aspect is using a light blue background colour for Snapchat. This improves contrast on the text colour and is not too bright to offend the user after a brief period in the app. Blue colour inspires trust, calmness, and security, improving the overall appeal of the application and increasing user interaction (Bo Chang & Renmei, 2020). The next design element added is the addition of words in the navigation UI of the app aimed at increasing the easing of navigating to Snapchat features such as a photo or bitmoji editing. This reduces the stress put on the user when trying to find particular features reducing the tasking of the working memory.
Additionally, we are adding a feature that allows users to view snaps unlimited times. Currently, the disappearing of Snaps after opening taxes the user to understand the intended message immediately on view requiring undivided attention and focus on the snap. Stress quickly builds up with users leaving the app to watch cat videos on YouTube casually. Our feature will decrease the focus demanded from users and thus avoiding cognitive overload creating a casual atmosphere to enjoy Snapchat. The editing options in Snapchat currently are taxing with poorly presented options that are hard to find, even for regular users. A split attention effect where users try to connect information that is not well integrated is created (Cammeraat et al., 2020). To alleviate this, we have a feature that adds an arrow with the text ‘edit’ clearly allowing users to edit photos easily. Finally, instead of the current design that pulls up afront facing camera view after opening the app, our design presents a minimal amount of icons and text on the front page to direct the user. This makes it more user-friendly and less bombarding to users, decreasing the work of the working memory in using the application.
References
Bo Chang & Renmei Xu. (2020). Effects of Colors on Cognition and Emotions in Learning. Eastern Journal of Medicine, 25(1), 287.
Cammeraat, S., Rop, G., & de Koning, B. B. (2020). The influence of spatial distance and signaling on the split-attention effect. Computers in Human Behavior, 105. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.1016/j.chb.2019.106203