The Choice-Overload Shelf

Prepare two fictional catalogues with equivalent capabilities: one fixed ladder of six editions and one marketplace of twenty-seven add-on combinations. Give each tester the same three use scenarios in alternating order and ask them to choose an option, calculate its full price, and rate confidence without spending real money.

The hypothesis is that the ladder will reduce decision time and pricing errors, even when an add-on combination can be cheaper. Predefine an error, pause timing whenever instructions are clarified, and analyze the first scenario separately so practice does not sneak into the results wearing a fake moustache.

The protocol can compare these two catalogue designs only. It cannot establish that fewer choices are always kinder. Publish the catalogues, scenarios, assignment order, completion times, error counts, confidence scale, and withdrawals before recommending a shelf.

The test asks when flexibility quietly hires a spreadsheet.