CS2003 - Week 5 - Mental Models & Conceptual Design Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is a Mental Model?
A mental model is a person’s internal understanding of how something works, based on experience, learning, or assumptions. It shapes how users expect a system to behave.
What influences Mental Models?
Past experiences, learned behaviors, assumptions, metaphors, and individual user preferences and needs.
Why are Mental Models important in design?
They help users predict system behavior and guide their interactions. Designers must align interfaces with users’ mental models for intuitive use.
What is a Conceptual Model?
The designer’s intended representation of how a system works and should be used. It defines the core concepts and relationships users should understand.
What is Conceptual Design?
The process of creating a conceptual model. It involves planning actions, feedback, and system structure to align with user expectations.
Advantages of Conceptual Design?
Easy to explore problem space
Helps visualize and understand user interaction
Resonates with human information processing
Disadvantages of Conceptual Design?
Requires domain knowledge
Can lead beyond the intended problem space
What are Scenarios in Conceptual Design?
Narrative stories that describe people with goals and how they interact with the system. They provide context and help envision user behavior.
Conceptual Design Stage 1
User Research: Use interviews, surveys, and think-aloud protocols to uncover users’ existing mental models.
Conceptual Design Stage 2
Requirements Gathering: Identify mismatches between user expectations and system capabilities.
Conceptual Design Stage 3
Conceptual Design: Create a model based on user expectations—define key flows, actions, and concepts.
Conceptual Design Stage 4
Prototyping: Use wireframes/mockups to visually represent the conceptual model.
Conceptual Design Stage 5
Testing: Validate if users understand the system via usability tests or A/B testing. Refine based on mismatches.
Conceptual Design Stage 6
Implementation: Ensure the final UI supports the mental model through layout, labels, icons, and feedback.
Conceptual Design Stage 7
Post-Launch Analysis: Use analytics and feedback to detect where mental models fail. Iterate the design accordingly.
What are common methods for creating Conceptual Models?
Sketching – Rough visuals of ideas
Brainstorming – Team-based idea generation
Card Sorting – Understanding user groupings
Semantic Networks – Concept maps showing relationships
Flowcharts – Visualizing structure and flow
Scenarios/Storyboards – User-focused narratives
What is a metaphor in UI design?
A familiar concept used to help users understand unfamiliar systems (e.g., swipe left/right, Siri as a personal assistant)
What are the 4 types of user interaction?
Instructing – Commanding the system (e.g., print)
Conversing – Dialogue-like interaction (e.g., chatbots)
Manipulating – Directly interacting with objects (e.g., drag/drop)
Exploring – Navigating through a space (e.g., maps)
Difference between Mental Models and Conceptual Models?
Mental Models = What users believe;
Conceptual Models = What designers intend
The goal is to align them for intuitive UX
