Design Design Design! → Part LXIX: Mental Models

Welcome to Design Design Design! This series of articles focuses on a variety of topics related to design. Whether a beginner or a seasoned professional, you’ll find something here to further your design knowledge.

In this article, we will explore the concept of mental models in user experience (UX) design. Mental models refer to a person’s understanding of how a product or system works, including their expectations, assumptions, and beliefs about its behavior. As such, mental models play a crucial role in shaping the way users interact with and understand products. Understanding mental models are essential when designing products to ensure that users can easily navigate and use them effectively.

What are Mental Models?

A mental model is a person’s internal representation of how a system or product works. It can include their expectations, assumptions, and beliefs about its behavior. For example, a person may have a mental model of how a toaster works — they know that they need to put bread in the slots, press the lever, and wait for the toast to pop up. This mental model helps them understand how to use the toaster and what to expect when they do.