Paper Type
Completed Research Paper
Abstract
Here we adopt a cognitive science orientation to inquire into web interface design using the lens of mental models. A mental model is an internal cognitive representation of some aspect of the real world. The human mind automatically constructs and refines these models to provide a basis from which we can reason, make decisions, and form expectations. Even without conscious awareness, cognitive theory suggests that each web user has developed a mental model of what constitutes agreeable web interface design. But what is the nature of these mental models? Further, to what extent do people possess a general, shared mental model of web interface design? We examine these questions using a novel methodological approach in conjunction with statistical analyses and thermal imaging. We find not only that people possess a shared mental model of web interface design, but also that this shared model is remarkably cohesive from person to person.
Recommended Citation
Soper, Daniel S. and Mitra, Sinjini, "An Inquiry into Mental Models of Web Interface Design" (2013). AMCIS 2013 Proceedings. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2013/HumanComputerInteraction/GeneralPresentations/1
An Inquiry into Mental Models of Web Interface Design
Here we adopt a cognitive science orientation to inquire into web interface design using the lens of mental models. A mental model is an internal cognitive representation of some aspect of the real world. The human mind automatically constructs and refines these models to provide a basis from which we can reason, make decisions, and form expectations. Even without conscious awareness, cognitive theory suggests that each web user has developed a mental model of what constitutes agreeable web interface design. But what is the nature of these mental models? Further, to what extent do people possess a general, shared mental model of web interface design? We examine these questions using a novel methodological approach in conjunction with statistical analyses and thermal imaging. We find not only that people possess a shared mental model of web interface design, but also that this shared model is remarkably cohesive from person to person.