Summary:
NN/g explains mental models in UX: users form beliefs about how systems work based on prior experiences, which guide their predictions and actions. Common patterns (ecommerce carts, the Back button, single-site search) illustrate how mismatches cause usability issues. Because mental-model inertia is strong, designers should favor established conventions and only innovate when clearly better, while teaching new concepts succinctly through onboarding, help, and testing. Think-aloud user testing helps reveal users’ mental models so teams can fix IA, labels, and flows.
Excerpt:
"A mental model is what users believe about a system. Aligning interfaces with users’ existing expectations reduces errors and confusion; when you must deviate, clearly teach the new model."
#UX#Usability#Mental Models#Design Patterns
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