18F
18F - Mental Modeling
Mental modeling visually represents how users think about a domain or system. This 90-minute exercise maps user knowledge against designs to find gaps. Teams analyze research, understanding user expectations and terminology, then compare these models to the product. Differences between mental models and interfaces cause user confusion. This exercise highlights opportunities to match existing user knowledge versus educating users. Results guide information architecture and content strategy for intuitive experiences.
Duration
1.5 hours
Group Size
4-8
Category
18F
Difficulty
Easy
Designers will anticipate how design decisions facilitate user behaviors.
- User mental model.
- Understanding of user cognition.
- Design aligned to mental models.
Consider starting with a small, focused user group to refine your approach. Don't overthink the "Future" column – it's about possibilities, not promises. Government Considerations: No PRA implications. No information is collected from members of the public.
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