Conceptual Design & Mental Models Flashcards
(148 cards)
1
Q
What is a conceptual model in HCI?
A
A high-level description of how a system is organized and operates.
2
Q
Define a mental model.
A
A user’s understanding of how a system works based on interaction
3
Q
Why are mental models important in design?
A
They help designers align system behavior with user expectations.
4
Q
What are mental models?
A
“Internal representations users form about how a system works, based on experience, observation, or instruction.”
5
Q
What is the purpose of conceptual design?
A
“To structure the information space, create alternative solutions, and choose designs aligned with users’ mental models.”
6
Q
What does a conceptual model exclude?
A
“Low-level presentation, implementation details, menu/screen designs, and widgets.”
7
Q
What does a conceptual model include?
A
“Metaphors, concepts (objects/actions), relationships, mappings, terminology, interaction types, and interface types.”
8
Q
Give an example of a design metaphor.
A
“Dropbox (a ‘box’ to drop files into) or Siri (a personal assistant).”
9
Q
What is ‘mapping’ in conceptual design?
A
“The relationship between controls and their effects (e.g., stove knobs arranged like burners).”
10
Q
Why is terminology important in conceptual design?
A
“Ensures consistent language ties concepts to user experience (e.g., ‘Login’ vs. ‘Sign In’).”
11
Q
Name the four interaction types.
A
“Instructing (commands), Conversing (dialogue), Manipulating (objects), Exploring (environments).”
12
Q
List tools used in conceptual design.
A
“Sketching, brainstorming, card sorting, semantic networks, flowcharts, scenarios, storyboards.”
13
Q
What is card sorting used for?
A
“Discovering user-generated groupings, organizing menus/controls, and labeling navigation elements.”
14
Q
What are advantages of card sorting?
A
“Quick, reveals user mental models, exposes information structures.”
15
Q
What are disadvantages of card sorting?
A
“Limited to card content, may imply false structures, cumbersome with many categories.”
16
Q
How do semantic networks help design?
A
“Visualize problem spaces, cluster related concepts, and align with human information processing.”
17
Q
What is a flowchart’s role in design?
A
“Maps navigation paths, conditional processes, and user flows (e.g., login sequences).”
18
Q
How do scenarios aid design?
A
“Stories about user tasks/contexts, showing goals, activities, and outcomes.”
19
Q
What is Norman’s view of mental models?
A
“Users form models to reason about systems, predict actions, and troubleshoot issues.”
20
Q
How do mental models differ from conceptual design?
A
“Mental models are user-held; conceptual design is the designer’s plan to shape those models.”
21
Q
Name Norman’s 7 stages of action.
A
“1. Goal, 2. Plan, 3. Specify, 4. Perform, 5. Perceive, 6. Interpret, 7. Compare.”
22
Q
How do users acquire mental models?
A
“By using systems, observing others, or reading instructions.”
23
Q
Why are metaphors powerful in design?
A
“They leverage familiar concepts (e.g., ‘desktop’ for files) to make interfaces intuitive.”
24
Q
What hinders mental model formation?
A
“Poor affordances (e.g., unclickable buttons), unclear mapping, or inconsistent feedback.”
25
Give an example of a flawed mental model.
"Users turning up thermostats to heat rooms faster (misunderstanding HVAC systems)."
26
How can ATMs improve mental models?
"Clear feedback (e.g., 'Processing...'), analogies ('like a vault'), or reducing pauses."
27
List methods to uncover mental models.
"Interviews, card sorting, think-aloud protocols, surveys, analytics, co-design workshops."
28
What is Payne’s ATM experiment?
"Revealed users’ incorrect mental models (e.g., 'ATMs phone each other')."
29
How do mental models evolve?
"Through repeated use, new experiences, or system updates."
30
What is Halasz & Moran’s warning about analogies?
"Incorrect analogies (e.g., calculator=typewriter) can hinder usability."
31
Name strategies to address conflicting mental models.
"Customization, clear communication, user education, feedback channels, A/B testing."
32
How do mental models impact UX?
"Aligning designs with user expectations improves intuitiveness and reduces errors."
33
What is the 'hamburger icon' a metaphor for?
"A hidden menu (though not literal, it’s a learned convention)."
34
What are ecological metaphors?
"Contextual analogies (e.g., 'cloud' for remote storage)."
35
What is a 'false affordance'?
"A feature suggesting functionality it lacks (e.g., grayed-out 'Submit' button)."
36
How does conceptual design reduce complexity?
"By focusing on high-level structures, not implementation details."
37
What is the role of consistency in mental models?
"Familiar patterns (e.g., blue underlined links) reinforce user expectations."
38
What is a 'negative affordance'?
"A passive signal that an action is unavailable (e.g., disabled button)."
39
How do scenarios differ from flowcharts?
"Scenarios are narrative; flowcharts are visual maps of steps/decisions."
40
What is the 'system image' in Norman’s model?
"The interface’s representation that bridges designer’s model and user’s mental model."
41
Why are mental models 'personal'?
"They vary based on individual experiences, knowledge, and cultural context."
42
How can designers test mental models?
"Via usability testing, cognitive walkthroughs, or heatmap analysis."
43
What is the 'desktop metaphor'?
"Using folders/files/icons to mimic physical office organization."
44
How do constraints shape mental models?
"They limit actions (e.g., disabled buttons) to guide correct behavior."
45
What is a 'conceptual mismatch'?
"When a designer’s model conflicts with users’ mental models (e.g., thermostat example)."
46
How does feedback reinforce mental models?
"Confirms actions (e.g., 'Payment received') to validate user understanding."
47
What is the goal of eliciting mental models?
"To align system design with user expectations for intuitive interaction."
48
What is an example of 'manipulating' interaction?
"Dragging files to a trash icon or zooming on a map."
49
How does 'exploring' interaction work?
"Users navigate spaces (e.g., Google Maps) without direct commands."
50
What is a 'tangible interface'?
"Physical interactions (e.g., touchscreens) blending digital/physical worlds."
51
Why are mental models dynamic?
"They adapt as users learn, systems change, or new metaphors emerge."
52
What is the 'gulf of execution'?
"The gap between user goals and actions needed to achieve them in a system."
53
How does conceptual design address user diversity?
"By accommodating varied mental models through flexible metaphors and interactions."
54
What is the 'gulf of evaluation'?
"The gap between system feedback and user interpretation of results."
55
How do mental models affect error recovery?
"Accurate models help users diagnose/fix issues (e.g., undo actions)."
56
What is a 'cognitive walkthrough'?
"A method to evaluate if interfaces support users’ step-by-step task reasoning."
57
How do metaphors bridge mental models?
"They map familiar concepts (e.g., 'shopping cart') to new digital contexts."
58
What is 'participatory design'?
"Involving users in co-creating interfaces to align with their mental models."
59
Why are mental models often incomplete?
"Users infer system workings from limited exposure or partial information."
60
How do cultural differences impact mental models?
"Conventions (e.g., color meanings) vary across user backgrounds."
61
What is 'affordance' in mental models?
"Perceived functionality (e.g., a button’s clickability) based on design cues."
62
How do mental models simplify complexity?
"Users rely on approximations (e.g., 'ATM as vault') to manage system understanding."
63
What is the 'curse of knowledge' in design?
"Designers overestimating users’ familiarity with system logic."
64
How can storytelling improve mental models?
"Scenarios illustrate typical use cases, reinforcing correct interactions."
65
What is 'feedforward' in design?
"Cues (e.g., button shadows) indicating possible actions before they’re taken."
66
How do mental models reduce cognitive load?
"By leveraging prior knowledge (e.g., 'play' triangle icon) for quick recognition."
67
What is a 'slip' error?
"User mistakes due to automatic actions (e.g., clicking 'X' to close the wrong window)."
68
What is a 'mistake' error?
"Incorrect actions from flawed mental models (e.g., misusing a feature)."
69
How do mental models support learnability?
"Consistent designs help users generalize knowledge across systems."
70
What is the 'recognition over recall' heuristic?
"Designs should minimize memory load (e.g., menus vs. typed commands)."
71
How do mental models relate to Norman’s principles?
"Visibility, feedback, and mapping shape how users form and refine models."
72
What is 'skeuomorphism'?
"Designs mimicking physical objects (e.g., notepad apps with lined paper)."
73
How do mental models differ from schemas?
"Schemas are broader cognitive frameworks; mental models are system-specific."
74
What is 'progressive disclosure'?
"Revealing information gradually (e.g., dropdowns) to avoid overwhelming users."
75
How do mental models affect trust?
"Accurate models increase confidence (e.g., clear checkout steps in e-commerce)."
76
What is the 'halo effect' in mental models?
"Positive initial experiences bias users to overlook later flaws."
77
How do mental models handle ambiguity?
"Users fill gaps with assumptions (e.g., 'loading spinner = progress')."
78
What is 'satisficing' in user behavior?
"Users accept 'good enough' understanding if systems seem too complex."
79
How do mental models impact accessibility?
"Clear cues (e.g., alt text) help diverse users build accurate models."
80
What is 'cognitive dissonance' in UX?
"Stress from conflicting mental models and system behavior."
81
How do mental models scale with complexity?
"Users chunk information (e.g., 'settings menu') to manage details."
82
What is the 'paradox of the active user'?
"Users prioritize action over learning, relying on incomplete mental models."
83
How do mental models adapt to errors?
"Users revise models after feedback (e.g., 'invalid password' prompts)."
84
What is 'functional fixedness'?
"Users limit tool use to familiar functions, ignoring alternatives."
85
How do mental models differ by expertise?
"Novices rely on metaphors; experts use abstract system knowledge."
86
What is 'transparency' in design?
"Systems should reveal workings (e.g., 'saving...') to support accurate models."
87
How do mental models affect onboarding?
"Tutorials leverage existing knowledge (e.g., 'like email') to accelerate learning."
88
What is 'cultural proximity' in metaphors?
"Designs using locally familiar concepts (e.g., 'marketplace' for apps)."
89
How do mental models handle automation?
"Users need clear signals (e.g., 'autosave on') to trust background processes."
90
What is 'habituation' in mental models?
"Repeated actions become automatic (e.g., Ctrl+S to save)."
91
How do mental models degrade over time?
"Outdated knowledge (e.g., 'floppy disk' for save) causes confusion."
92
What is 'discoverability' in design?
"Interfaces should reveal functions (e.g., hover effects) to aid model formation."
93
How do mental models relate to usability heuristics?
"Heuristics (e.g., consistency) standardize cues for reliable models."
94
What is 'anticipatory design'?
"Proactively addressing user needs (e.g., autofill) based on predicted models."
95
How do mental models differ across age groups?
"Young users adapt faster to new metaphors (e.g., gestures) than older users."
96
What is 'cognitive affordance'?
"Design cues (e.g., tooltips) that clarify system functionality."
97
How do mental models handle defaults?
"Users assume defaults are recommended (e.g., 'standard shipping')."
98
What is 'learnability' in mental models?
"Systems should build on prior knowledge (e.g., 'like Instagram') for quick adoption."
99
How do mental models affect user satisfaction?
"Accurate models reduce frustration and increase perceived control."
100
What is 'Fitts’s Law' in design?
"Predicts time to target UI elements (e.g., button size/spacing affects usability)."
101
How do mental models handle abstraction?
"Users prefer concrete representations (e.g., 'trash can' over 'delete')."
102
What is 'cognitive scaffolding'?
"Temporary supports (e.g., wizards) to build mental models for complex tasks."
103
How do mental models differ in AR/VR?
"Users blend physical/digital cues (e.g., 'grabbing' virtual objects)."
104
What is 'situational awareness' in UX?
"Users’ real-time understanding of system state (e.g., 'upload progress')."
105
How do mental models handle multitasking?
"Users compartmentalize tasks (e.g., tabs for different workflows)."
106
What is 'calm technology'?
"Designs that minimize interruptions, relying on peripheral mental models."
107
How do mental models affect error messages?
"Clear explanations (e.g., 'file too large') help users correct actions."
108
What is 'perceived affordance'?
"User assumptions about functionality (e.g., underlined text = clickable)."
109
How do mental models scale with AI?
"Users anthropomorphize systems (e.g., 'helpful assistant') to simplify complexity."
110
What is 'dark pattern' misuse?
"Exploiting mental models (e.g., disguised ads) to manipulate user behavior."
111
How do mental models handle updates?
"Users resist changes that invalidate existing models (e.g., relocated menus)."
112
What is 'metacognition' in UX?
"Users’ awareness of their own mental models (e.g., 'I might be wrong')."
113
How do mental models differ in voice interfaces?
"Users rely on conversational conventions (e.g., 'Hey Siri')."
114
What is 'contextual inquiry'?
"Observing users in real settings to uncover implicit mental models."
115
How do mental models affect gamification?
"Rewards (e.g., badges) tap into goal-oriented behavior models."
116
What is 'serial position effect' in design?
"Users recall first/last items (e.g., menu endpoints) more easily."
117
How do mental models handle interruptions?
"Users rely on cues (e.g., 'unsaved changes') to resume tasks."
118
What is 'cognitive absorption'?
"Deep engagement where mental models align seamlessly with system flow."
119
How do mental models differ in collaborative tools?
"Users negotiate shared understanding (e.g., Google Docs cursors)."
120
What is 'procedural memory' in UX?
"Automated actions (e.g., typing) that bypass conscious mental models."
121
How do mental models handle defaults?
"Users rarely change defaults, assuming they reflect best practices."
122
What is 'confirmation bias' in mental models?
"Users ignore disconfirming evidence (e.g., ignoring error messages)."
123
How do mental models affect icon design?
"Recognizable symbols (e.g., gear for settings) rely on shared knowledge."
124
What is 'cognitive walkthrough'?
"Evaluating if interfaces guide users step-by-step via logical mental models."
125
How do mental models differ in adaptive interfaces?
"Systems personalize cues (e.g., frequent actions) to user habits."
126
What is 'sensory affordance'?
"Multimodal cues (e.g., sounds for notifications) reinforcing mental models."
127
How do mental models handle legacy systems?
"Users cling to outdated models (e.g., 'file cabinets' for databases)."
128
What is 'chunking' in mental models?
"Grouping information (e.g., phone numbers) to simplify recall."
129
How do mental models affect error prevention?
"Clear constraints (e.g., date pickers) prevent mismatched inputs."
130
What is 'cognitive economy'?
"Designs should minimize mental effort (e.g., autocomplete)."
131
How do mental models differ in expert systems?
"Experts use abstract models (e.g., code), bypassing metaphors."
132
What is 'perceptual mapping'?
"Aligning controls with expected outcomes (e.g., volume slider direction)."
133
How do mental models handle automation?
"Users need transparency (e.g., 'why was this suggested?') to trust AI."
134
What is 'cognitive friction'?
"Mental effort caused by mismatched models (e.g., confusing navigation)."
135
How do mental models affect onboarding?
"Guided tours leverage existing knowledge (e.g., 'like swiping on Tinder')."
136
What is 'cultural model' in UX?
"Shared conventions (e.g., red for warnings) shaping mental models."
137
How do mental models handle uncertainty?
"Users prefer systems that confirm actions (e.g., 'Are you sure?')."
138
What is 'habituation' in mental models?
"Repeated use makes actions automatic (e.g., muscle memory for shortcuts)."
139
How do mental models differ in AR?
"Users blend physical/digital cues (e.g., placing virtual furniture)."
140
What is 'cognitive load theory'?
"Designs should minimize extraneous mental effort for task focus."
141
How do mental models affect error messages?
"Actionable advice (e.g., 'Password must contain a number') aids correction."
142
What is 'skeuomorphic decay'?
"When physical metaphors (e.g., 'phone icon') lose relevance over time."
143
How do mental models handle interruptions?
"Clear status indicators (e.g., 'uploading... 50%') maintain awareness."
144
What is 'progressive disclosure'?
"Revealing features gradually (e.g., advanced settings) to avoid overwhelm."
145
How do mental models differ in voice UIs?
"Users adapt conversational models (e.g., 'Alexa, tell me a joke')."
146
What is 'affordance competition'?
"When multiple cues (e.g., color/shape) conflict in suggesting functionality."
147
How do mental models affect trust?
"Consistency (e.g., lock icons for security) reinforces reliable expectations."
148
What is 'cognitive scaffolding'?
Temporary supports (e.g., tooltips) to build accurate mental models.
