Area VII
Cognitive Load & Information Design
Easing the reader's working memory
Every reader holds a fragile handful of items in working memory. Prose that ignores this forces re-reading; prose that respects it feels effortless. The techniques here—known-before-new ordering, bottom-line-up-front structure, deliberate chunking—are the highest-leverage moves for technical writing that must be understood the first time.
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Given–New Information Structure
Known first, new last
Open each sentence with familiar information and end it with the new point.
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Cohesion & Topic Chaining
Linking sentence to sentence
Make each sentence's subject connect back to the previous sentence for a smooth thread.
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Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
Conclusion first
State the conclusion or ask before the supporting detail, not after.
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Progressive Disclosure
Layered detail
Reveal information in layers so readers take only the depth they need.
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Chunking & List Discipline
Grouping within memory limits
Group related items and cap list length to fit working memory.
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Signposting & Metadiscourse
Guiding without cluttering
Use transition and framing words deliberately—enough to guide, not so many they clog.
Example from this area
From Given–New Information Structure—Open each sentence with familiar information and end it with the new point.