extraneous load

Extraneous load refers to the mental effort caused by how information is presented, rather than the actual content being learned. It occurs when unnecessary or poorly organized details, distractions, or confusing formats make it harder for someone to understand and retain new information. Essentially, it’s the extra mental work required simply to interpret or process the material, rather than learning from it. Reducing extraneous load involves simplifying design, clarifying instructions, and eliminating distractions to help the mind focus on essential learning tasks efficiently.