Mental Model

What is a Mental Model?

A Mental Model is the cognitive framework that users develop based on their experiences and expectations. It influences how users understand and interact with a product or system, shaping their expectations and behavior.

Aspects of Mental Models:

• User Expectations: How users anticipate interacting with a product based on prior knowledge.
• Understanding: How users interpret and navigate a system based on their mental representation.

For instance, if a user is accustomed to navigating websites with a top navigation bar, they may expect a similar layout when visiting a new site. Designers can use mental models to align their designs with users’ expectations, improving usability and satisfaction.