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Know the Laws
Know Miller's Law
Know Miller's Law
Miller’s Law is a cognitive psychology principle introduced by psychologist George A. Miller in 1956. It states:
“The average person can only hold about 7 (plus or minus 2) items in their working memory at one time.”
This means that people generally struggle to process more than 5 to 9 pieces of information simultaneously.
Why It Matters in Design and Communication
Understanding Miller’s Law helps designers, educators, and communicators create content that aligns with human cognitive limits. Key takeaways include:
- Chunk information: Break down complex content into smaller, manageable groups.
- Simplify choices: Limit the number of options presented at once (e.g., in menus or forms).
- Use grouping and hierarchy: Organize content in a way that visually supports memory and comprehension.
Real-World Example
Phone numbers are typically grouped (e.g., 123-456-7890) to make them easier to remember — a direct application of Miller’s Law.
By applying Miller’s Law, you make your content easier to understand, remember, and act upon.
