Preexplanation

Preexplanation refers to the act of providing information or context before a user encounters a new concept, task, or system. It is a proactive approach to user assistance and learning that aims to reduce cognitive load, prevent errors, and improve comprehension. This can take many forms, such as introductory tutorials, tooltips, or brief overviews of a process.

The purpose of preexplanation is to set expectations and prime the user for what is to come. By offering a glimpse into the upcoming information or activity, users can better prepare themselves to process and understand it. This can be particularly effective when dealing with complex subjects or unfamiliar interfaces. Preexplanation helps to bridge the gap between the user's current knowledge and the new information they are about to receive, making the learning process smoother and more efficient.

In user interface design, preexplanation often appears as onboarding sequences that guide new users through the basic functionalities of an application. In educational settings, it might be a brief summary of a lecture topic before the main content is delivered. The core principle is to offer a supportive scaffold that makes the subsequent experience more accessible and less intimidating. Effective preexplanation is concise, relevant, and delivered at the opportune moment, ensuring it aids rather than overwhelms the user.