Mental Model

Mental Model

Mental Model is a way people think about how something works, like a map in the mind that guides actions and decisions. In user experience design, mental models help designers understand what users expect when they interact with a product or interface. Designers can use simple sketches or storyboards to see how users imagine a process, which helps make things easier to use. When a design matches what people expect, they feel more comfortable and can use it faster. For example, using familiar icons or layouts helps users guess what will happen next, making the experience smoother. Designers can test mental models by asking users to explain what they think will happen before they use a new feature, which gives helpful feedback for improving the design.

user expectations, interface design, user behavior, interaction patterns

— Kevin Green