- Design so as to help the user develop an effective and efficient mental model of the system.
- Take into account the models that users will bring with them to the new system.
- A conceptual model should be explicitly designed and effectively presented through the user interface.
- The intended conceptual model should anticipate users' expectations rather than reflect designers' knowledge and mental models.
- Make invisible parts and processes of the system visible.
- Build in consistency.
- Design a conceptual model that draws maximally on real-world knowledge and experience, but minimally on abstract, logical thinking.
- Provide consistent, unambiguous, concrete, informative, timely feedback to reinforce the conceptual model.
- Avoid irrelevant and misleading feedback that will distract from the conceptual model and impede the development of optimal mental models.
- Choose names, labels and terminology consistent with the conceptual model.
- A conceptual model based on a familiar metaphor should consistently adhere to that metaphor as much as possible without sacrificing power, but should at least not be misleading.
- Through the conceptual model, promote the development of both novice and expert mental models.
- Provide an active, "intelligent" help system that will reinforce the conceptual model and encourage the development of optimal mental models.
- Documentation should explicitly present the intended conceptual model.
dcb at cs wpi edu / Thu Sep 9 13:13:02 EDT 2010