A person can hold 7 (plus or minus 2) items in short-term memory
Description
Miller’s Law, also known as “The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two”.
The theory was created by psychologist George Miller in 1956.
Miller found that most adults can keep between 5 and 9 items within their short-term memory.
Research:
In 1956, after his research George Miller claimed that the span between short-term memory and accurate judgment is 7 bits of information, or data, at a time plus or minus 2. When more than 9, at most, bits of data are presented at once, confusion and poor judgments may begin. For that reason, it’s important to remember MIller’s Law that the optimal amount of information to present at once is 7.
Application
Simplified Messaging
Use Miller's Law to craft marketing messages with a clear and concise focus. Limit the key points to 7 or fewer to ensure your audience can easily grasp and remember your message. This approach is particularly effective in advertising copy, social media posts, and email marketing, where attention spans are short and information overload is common.
Website Design and Navigation
Apply Miller's Law in the design of your website by limiting the number of menu options or call-to-action buttons to 7 or fewer. This helps to avoid overwhelming visitors and makes it easier for them to navigate your site, improving the user experience and potentially increasing conversion rates.
Product Choices and Pricing Plans
When presenting product options or pricing plans, limit the choices to around 7. This application of Miller's Law can help reduce choice overload, a phenomenon where too many options can lead to decision paralysis, potentially improving sales and customer satisfaction. Simplifying choices helps customers make decisions more confidently and quickly.
