2g- Importance of accurate mental models

2g- Importance of accurate mental models

1. E.G. Keyboard short cuts

   • Ctrl + Z - looks like scribbling something out
   • Ctrl + X - Looks like crossing something out
   • Ctrl + C - for copy
   • Ctrl + V - Arrow looks like inserting something into a place.

2. E.G. Print dialouge

   • Images to illustrate options such as one sided or double sided printing
   • Spinners where arrow up means increasing and arrow down means decreasing
   • Some users may be familiar with underlined text being hyperlinks while other may not be and think it is just a subtitle.

3. Benefits

   • O- System relies on previous experience
     • O- Quick learning and better productivity due to faster thinking time

4. Consequences of not using mental model

   • X- More difficult training => More costs
   • X- User has no experience with system's concepts, has to learn from scratch
     • X- Difficult, Time-consuming, Frustrating
   • X- Decreased productivity
   • X- Less purchasing of system => Financial loss
   • X- Lack of consistency gives no opportunity to use previous experiences
   • X- Conflicting experiences in mental models can cause confusion