18. Mental model is an internal representation
of one’s inference that how the target
system works. This project aims at exploring
the effect and application of mental model
in the whole user experience design process.
In order to facilitate the identification
between user’s and designer’s mental model,
they are named as Conceptual Model and
Comprehension Model.
The Conceptual Model is constructed by the
designer’s representation of user
requirement. By processing it, the designer
develops the procedure of the target system,
which determine the approach to
implement.
The Comprehension Model build in the
interaction between the target system and
user. By processing it, user make the
decision of how to conduct the operation.
Comprehension
Models
Mental Model
Model Incoherency
Modell Processing
Model Construction
Model
Construction
Model Processing
Model
Construction
DesignUser Requirement
Representation
Conceptual Model System User’s Data
Procedure Decision
Environment and
Prior Experience
Environment and
Prior Experience
Model Processing
Control Behavior
Button Knob
Press Rotate
Requirements Analysis Product Development UserExperience UserResearch
Anthropography
Usability Testing
Cognition Exploration
Field Study
Learning
Operation
Human Error
Aesthetic
Brand Perception
Structure
Skeleton
Surface
Strategy
Scope
Testing
Model Incoherency
Operation Incoherency
附图:心智模型分歧与系统可用性
By a set of testing, designer could represent the user’s requirement more accurately. which is
a precondition to form an appropriate Conceptual Model. Design gives the system some
features of the conceptual model. This features determine what kind of Comprehension
Model to build. If the two mental model coherent properly, it will provide a good user
experience. Otherwise, it will lead to human error
Different model incoherency leads to different operation problem.
• The alternative Comprehension Model leads to misoperation.
• The multiple Comprehension Model leads to high attention load, lacking of
confidence as well as misoperation.
• Comprehension Model deficiency leads to confusion.
Future work will be focus on studying the elements and properties of mental model in depth.
It can be expected that the design based mental model will improve the usability and
reliability of conventional and novel Humachine system.