microexplanations

Microexplanations are brief, targeted explanations that clarify a specific element of a concept or process. Typically one to three sentences, sometimes accompanied by a short example or analogy, they aim to remove a particular misunderstanding without delivering a full lecture.

They serve cognitive-load management and just-in-time learning. Integrated into lessons, tutorials, dashboards, or interfaces, they provide quick clarification when a term or step may be confusing. They focus on a core idea, mechanism, or implication and use plain language.

Applications include education, science communication, software tooltips, explainable AI, journalism explainers, and customer support knowledge bases. In pedagogy they complement longer explanations; in software they resemble inline hints.

Design considerations: each microexplanation should address one question or obstacle, be accurate, concise, and relevant to the learner's context. Prefer clear terms, minimal jargon, and accessible examples. Testing with the target audience helps refine usefulness.

Limitations: overuse can fragment understanding or oversimplify complex topics. They are most effective when used as part of a layered explanatory approach alongside more comprehensive materials, and they relate to broader ideas such as microlearning, explainable AI, and just-in-time education.