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Short presentation on the origination of mental model in UX and Information Design...
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Mental Models
Joel Kline
Texas Tech University
May 23, 2007
If I give you my keys…could you drive my van?
Mental Model Theory
Originates from Scottish Psychologist Kenneth Craik’s work that suggests the mind constructs "small-scale models" of reality (1943).
Mental models can be constructed from perception, imagination, or the comprehension of discourse.
They normally underlie visual images, but can also be abstract and represent situations that cannot be visualized.
Mental models have structure that is analogous to the structure of what they represent.
Resemble the “picture” theory of language described by Ludwig Wittgenstein in 1922.
Critics of the theory argue that the mind uses inference rules not models as the basis for deductive reasoning.
Donald Norman and Richard Young (independently) were the first to devise a terminology for Mental Models for use in HCI around 1983
Definition
Representations of systems and environments derived from experience.
A mental model is accurate when the real and imagined outcomes correspond
Two Categories Models of how systems work Models of how people interact with systems
Good Design Occurs…
Results when designers have an accurate view of the system (easy) and an accurate view of the user’s interaction with the system (hard). The designer then designs a system interface that merges both models.
Designers can learn the user:
Through personal use of the system Laboratory testing (usability, focus
groups) Direct Observation of users
Where do we “get” models?
External interface conventions - come to your interface with the users
Internal interface conventions - build or break trust
For both interface users and media developers
Print model has 600 years behind it Build trust with consistency Consistency can evolve
Consistency is Contextual
MM Examples
Automobile Doors with knobs that don’t turn Any computer interface device. Have
you ever tried a Dvorak keyboard?
InDesign Examples
Folios Right to left reading Consistent Hierarchy Consistent use of bold, italics, and
underline Typically an issue with longer
documents
InDesign Interface MM
When you have no MM?
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