Conceptual Models

Conceptual Models

conceptual model: A high-level, usually simplified, description of how a system is organized and works.

The designer's model, the user's model, and the system image.

The designer expects the user’s model to be identical to the design model, but because designers cannot communicate directly with users, the entire burden of communication is on the system image.

—Norman, The Design of Everyday Things.

../_images/deoderant_cap.jpeg — Stick Deoderant Caps¶

../_images/deoderant_cap_bad.jpeg — One way to remove the deoderant cap…¶

../_images/deoderant_cap_good.jpeg — The intended way to remove the deoderant cap…¶

../_images/traffic_sensor.png — Not a weight sensor! Instead, the sensor is triggered by the presence of the car’s metal body in the sensor’s electromagnetic field.¶

../_images/fridge_temp1.jpeg — Freezer Temperature Control¶

../_images/fridge_model1.png — Conceptual Model A¶

../_images/fridge_model2.png — Conceptual Model B¶

../_images/git_commit_vi.png — git commit launches vi if another default editor is not set.¶

Today's DDQ

Conceptual Models