Concept Model

• Simplified understanding of one’s own movements

• Example: When clicking a link on a website, the page linked to it becomes visible

  • In this conceptual model, there is no discussion about the network
  • In reality, there are various layers like the network layer and protocols, but users have a more simplified concept

• Designers convey the conceptual model through objects’ signifiers and feedback.

• Also, tools like manuals are used for communication.

• Users utilize the acquired conceptual model to interact with objects.

• Users create a conceptual model based on feelings even without solid evidence

  • “Naïve psychology”
  • Anyone assumes a connection between continuous things
  • Everyone tries to understand what they see, leading to misconceptions in the process

• Example: Misunderstanding that adjusting the temperature of an air conditioner is like valve operation, trying to increase the speed of reaching the target temperature. However, in reality, operations beyond ON/OFF do not occur, making it meaningless.

  • “Users enhance their imagination.”

• When learning various things, is it important to have the correct conceptual model for memorization?

  • I have always had a hypothesis that there is a correlation between the conceptual model of memorization and good academic performance.
    • My image: Like painting over white areas with a brush that is running out of paint.

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Below are specific examples I came up with

• UITableView and similar examples may hide the conceptual model interestingly

  • Users scroll thinking everything is already there
  • In reality, it is loaded just before being displayed for memory saving purposes

• Watching real-time classroom videos on a tablet, the user’s conceptual model of the video becomes like a “mirror” image

  • Kineto utilizes this to manipulate time

• Applicable to fields beyond UI

  • COVID-19 (as written in the link)

#design for whom