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Mental Model
Definition
A mental model is a user's preconception of how a product or service works. It is a model used to understand and predict how a user will interact with a product or service based on their experiences and expectations learned in their daily lives.
Explanation
For example, a smartphone user’s mental model includes the expectation that pulling down on the screen will refresh the screen. This preconception is used by users to load new content or check for updates in apps, and it allows users to use their smartphones more effectively. Designing a product or service with mental models in mind can help users interact more conveniently and be more satisfied.
Importance
Mental models play a critical role in user experience design, allowing us to predict how users will use a product. They are a key element in designing for users to interact and understand the product naturally.
