Goal: Reduce cognitive + token load to prevent overwhelm.
AI introduces new burdens traditional UX doesn’t:
Cognitive Load Strategy
| Stage | What the user sees | Design purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Natural language only | “Anyone can do this” |
| Day 3 | Contextual feature surfacing | “I’m getting better at this” |
| Day 7 | Advanced settings (hidden until relevant) | “I’m in control now” |
Rule: If a feature isn't understood → it doesn’t exist yet.
AI onboarding isn’t a tour; it’s a skill progression system.