#22 Technological change is limited by human cognition
Window #22 is about why technological capacity keeps outpacing human capacity.
One thing I am reminded of every Christmas is how easily things become overwhelming. Too many plans. Too many messages. Too many expectations. Too many tabs open, both literally and mentally. The intention is often good. The outcome is usually exhaustion.
Cognitive Load Theory helps explain why.
Cognitive Load Theory, developed by John Sweller, starts from the observation that our working memory is limited. We can only hold and process a small amount of information at any given moment. Learning, decision-making, and problem-solving all depend on that limited capacity. When the load exceeds what working memory can handle, performance drops. We forget things, make mistakes, or shut down entirely.
The theory distinguishes between two types of load:
Intrinsic load comes from the task itself. Some things are genuinely complex.
Extraneous load comes from how the task is presented. Poor design, unnecessary steps, confusing interfaces.
Christmas is full of extraneous load. Logistics, notifications, instructions, last-minute changes. None of it makes the celebration better, but all of it competes for attention. Technology often amplifies this. Every app, reminder, and system adds cognitive overhead, even when it claims to simplify.
The same applies to technological systems more broadly. A tool that requires constant monitoring, configuration, and interpretation drains working memory before any real work can begin. Dashboards that try to show everything end up supporting nothing. Complexity does not scale just because computing power does.
Good technology respects cognitive limits. It reduces extraneous load. It makes the structure visible. It allows people to focus on what actually matters, rather than managing the system itself.
The photo shows Harry building with large blocks. He can focus because the task matches his capacity. Few elements, clear feedback, and no unnecessary choices.
Source: Sweller, J., Ayres, P., & Kalyuga, S. (2011). Cognitive load theory. Springer.