Laws & Patterns
Cognitive Bias

Spacing Effect

Spread learning and practice sessions over time for better retention and understanding.

Definition

The Spacing Effect is a cognitive bias that suggests learning and memory retention can be improved when practice sessions are distributed over time rather than crammed into a single session. This principle highlights the importance of repetition and rest in learning processes.

Do

  • Incorporate repetition and rest periods in learning or training modules
  • Space out reminders or prompts over time
  • Distribute onboarding steps over user's initial interaction period

Avoid

  • Cram all information or training into a single session
  • Overwhelm users with too much information at once
  • Expect users to remember complex tasks after a single exposure

When to apply

  • Designing educational or training software
  • Creating user onboarding experiences
  • Designing tutorials or walkthroughs

Related topics

Similar principles

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