Mental Model

Mental Model

1. A representation of systems and environments derived from experience

2. There are two types

   • Interaction models
     • It is how people interact with the system
       • An accurate and complete model can be otbtain through personal use of the system
         • Focus group, laboratory testing, usability testing, direct observation
   • System models
     • It is basically to kntow how a system works
       • Designers know much about how a system works but a little about how people interact wiht them
         • Use of the system by the designer will reveal obvious design problems, but will fail to reveal the problems of interaction that emerge when people are unfamiliar with the system.

3. Designers tend to have a very complete system model but wek interacion models

4. An optimal design reuslts when both systems are accurate and complete

5. Design with peopole interacion model in mind