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Chris-Maskey
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hicks-law

Apply Hick's Law to estimate decision times in interface designs.

Updated Apr 17, 2026
Search Tags:#onboarding#navigation#ux#hicks-law#interface-design#decision-speed#choice-architecture
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Chris-Maskey/opencode-config --skill hicks-law-chris-maskey
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: hicks-law
Source: https://github.com/Chris-Maskey/opencode-config/tree/main/skills/hicks-law
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Chris-Maskey/opencode-config --skill hicks-law-chris-maskey

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Hick's Law describes how decision time grows with the number and complexity of choices, and this skill helps design interfaces that minimize cognitive load by reducing options.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Applies the Hick's Law formula RT = a + b * log2(n+1) to estimate decision times across navigation, onboarding, and forms.
  • Offers practical reduction strategies such as chunking, progressive disclosure, smart defaults, and contextual filtering.
  • Use cases include designing navigation menus, dashboards, onboarding wizards, and configuration flows to improve perception of speed and efficiency.

Quick Start

Audit a UI flow to identify choice points, then apply chunking and smart defaults to reduce options in the first pass

Frequently Asked Questions about hicks-law

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I reduce decision time in my interface design?▼

Reduce decision time by applying Hick's Law to your interface design, which minimizes cognitive load by limiting the number of choices presented in navigation menus, onboarding flows, and forms.

What is the Hick's Law formula for estimating user decision speed?▼

The Hick's Law formula for estimating decision speed is RT = a + b * log2(n+1), where 'n' represents the number of available options, allowing you to calculate reaction time for complex choice architecture.

How do I apply choice reduction strategies to an onboarding flow?▼

Apply choice reduction strategies to onboarding flows by auditing UI choice points, then implementing chunking, progressive disclosure, smart defaults, and contextual filtering to decrease available options during the first pass.

What is the best way to simplify navigation menus with too many options?▼

The best way to simplify navigation menus with too many options is to apply Hick's Law principles, using techniques like chunking and smart defaults to lower cognitive load and improve perceived efficiency.

Can I use Hick's Law to improve configuration flows and dashboards?▼

Yes, you can use Hick's Law to improve configuration flows and dashboards by identifying key choice points and applying progressive disclosure and contextual filtering to streamline the user experience.

When should I not use Hick's Law for UX optimization?▼

Hick's Law is less suitable for UX optimization when tasks require complex decision-making or reading rather than simple selection, as it specifically measures the time it takes to make a choice among alternatives.

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