The art of metaphor: a method for interface design based on mental models

  • Authors:
  • Xiaofan Qian;Ying Yang;Yong Gong

  • Affiliations:
  • Zhejiang University;Zhejiang University;Zhejiang University

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Virtual Reality Continuum and Its Applications in Industry
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

People tend to form an internal model of systems and how they work. An accurate mental model helps promote user experience and performance. As a result, interface designs that are based on a users mental model have been discussed frequently. However, the concept of a mental model has varying interpretations and is considered difficult to operationalize. Against this background, we propose a framework that demonstrates the structure of a mental model and the role it plays in human-computer interactions (HCI). Accordingly, a method is proposd for interface design. This method is supported by recent cognitive psychology theory and is practical for engineering projects.