Toward a Theory of Programming Language and Reasoning Assistant Design: Minimizing Cognitive Load

TL;DR

This paper proposes using cognitive load theory from cognitive science to guide the design of programming languages and reasoning assistants, aiming to improve usability and establish general design principles.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to system design by integrating cognitive science theories, moving beyond feedback-based methods to create more effective tools.

Findings

Highlights the potential of cognitive load theory in system design

Suggests that theory-driven design can reduce development costs

Paves the way for establishing general design principles

Abstract

Current approaches to making programming languages and reasoning assistants more effective for people focus on leveraging feedback from users and on evaluating the success of particular techniques. These approaches, although helpful, may not result in systems that are as usable as possible, and may not lead to general design principles. This paper advocates for leveraging theories from cognitive science, focusing on cognitive load theory, to design more effective programming languages and reasoning assistants. Development of these theories may enable designers to create more effective programming languages and reasoning assistants at lower cost.