Chapter 7. Mental Model Map - A Diagram of the Perceived Reality
Mental models are the frames of our reality. They are assumptions and perceptions of how the world works, and beliefs of how it should work. Mental models help us live and survive, by predicting the future. To be able to understand the mental models of our users, we will create mental model maps, then use the maps to provide the best solutions for the users.
In this chapter, we will do the following things:
- Understand what a mental model is
- Explore how mental models work and how people buy a car
- Conduct a longitudinal research, covering a longer time period with the same test users
- Discuss logging types and prompts to be able to conduct a successful longitudinal research
- Then, analyze the research to find units, towers, and mental spaces
- Draw the mental model map
- Add our existing solutions to the mental spaces where they support the users
- Use the map for the benefit of our users
To be able to do all this, first we need to understand...