The rule that the more options you give people, the longer they take to decide. It argues for trimming and grouping choices so a decision does not stall.
Synonyms
- hick-hyman law
Related terms
- cognitive load
- fitts's law
- progressive disclosure
- choice overload
In plain words
- more choices means slower decisions
- why a giant menu is paralysing
Usage example
Citing Hick's Law, the team cut the plan options from nine to three.
Don't confuse with…
- fitts's lawHick's Law is about how many choices slow a decision; Fitts's Law is about how the size and distance of a target affect how fast you can point to it.
Categories
- Usability principles