License Plate and Stage Theory, Week Two

Here is an example of a piece of information design that harnesses the stage theory model of cognitive learning. By grouping letters and numbers together in the format of "Miller's Magic Number," the license plate parses out units of information so that the brain may process them efficiently, organize them cognitively, and convert them into a form of memory. This method allows for ease of storage, retention, and recall, both short-term and, perhaps for some depending upon their brain's preferred style of learning, long-term.


Another example of textual "chunking" of information would exist in the realm of presenting dates of birth. The day, month, and year of a person's date of birth provide three layers of information that, when placed together, provide very specific meaning. This also fits the stage theory model of learning and memory creation, as the format for a DOB is accessible and ready for recall. Instead of 07311987, the information is displayed: 07/31/1987. By separating the number into smaller modules of information, it is easier to read, write, recall, and memorize.