A system for mapping mental user models

Abstract

System (100) for mapping mental user models during an early design phase, wherein the system (100) comprises: an interface module (102) configured to allow the user to interact with a design representation; a data acquisition module (104); a cognitive mapping module (106) configured to process the captured multimodal user interaction data to generate a structured representation of a mental user model; an analysis module (108) configured to identify relationships between design elements of the cost-effective prototype interface and the generated mental user model; an output module (110) configured to present the structured representation of the mental user model for use in design evaluation and refinement, where the system (100) assigns the mental user model to improve user experience and design creativity.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present subject concerns computer-implemented systems and, in particular, the mapping of mental user models during the early phases of the design process. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Design processes in modern product and service development emphasize user-centered approaches to improving usability and user experience. They typically rely on surveys, interviews, usability tests, and observational methods to capture user needs and behaviors. However, these techniques primarily focus on observable actions or stated preferences and less on the underlying cognitive structures that influence user interaction. In human-computer interaction, mental models represent how users perceive and predict system behavior. Discrepancies between designers' intentions and users' mental models can lead to confusion and reduced satisfaction.Existing tools such as eye-tracking, interaction logging, and qualitative studies generate valuable data, but are often used in isolation and lack standardized mechanisms to systematically capture, structure, and analyze mental user models in early design phases. SUMMARY

[0003] The subject matter of the present invention is defined in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0004] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the functioning of a system for assigning mental models to users according to the implementation of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In today's user-centered design practice, traditional evaluation techniques primarily capture observable user actions and post-task feedback, offering only limited insight into users' internal interpretation and understanding of a design. The lack of structured mechanisms for representing user cognition in early design phases often leads to a discrepancy between the designer's intent and the users' understanding.

[0006] To overcome these limitations, the present invention provides a computer-aided system for mapping users' mental models during an early design phase using an integrated and structured approach. According to the independent claim, the system employs a cost-effective prototyping interface that allows users to interact with a design representation prior to full development. During the interaction, a data acquisition module captures multimodal user interaction data, including data on visual attention, interaction behavior, and verbal or textual user feedback. The captured multimodal data is processed by a cognitive mapping module configured to generate a structured representation of a user's mental model by organizing cognitive elements into identifiable concepts and relationships.An analysis module evaluates the structured representation to identify relationships between design elements and user perception, including attention patterns, expectation discrepancies, and usability blind spots. An output module then presents the structured representation as worksheets for mapping mental models, supporting design evaluation and iterative refinement. By systematically integrating qualitative and quantitative user interaction data into a coherent cognitive representation, the system enables informed design evaluation at an early stage, reduces reliance on fragmented insights, and facilitates a more effective alignment between design decisions and user cognition.

[0007] Fig.Figure 1 illustrates the operation of a system 100 for mapping mental user models in an early design phase. A user initially interacts with a low-cost prototype interface 102, which presents a design representation intended for evaluation. During this interaction, a data acquisition module 104 captures multimodal user interaction data, including visual attention data obtained through eye tracking, interaction behavior data such as navigation actions and input patterns, and user feedback data collected through verbal, textual, or observational methods. The captured multimodal data is then sent to a cognitive mapping module 106, which processes the data to generate a structured mental model representing the user's cognitive understanding, expectations, and interpretation of the design elements.The structured mental model is then analyzed by an analysis module 108, which applies pattern analysis and machine learning techniques to identify cognitive relationships, attentional patterns, usability blind spots, and correspondences or discrepancies between design elements and user perception. Based on the analysis results, an output module 110 generates mental model worksheets and associated visual representations to support the evaluation and refinement of the design. These outputs enable designers to iteratively assess and refine the design by referring back to the associated mental user models, thus facilitating informed decision-making in the early stages of the design process.

[0008] Although the implementations of a computer-based system for mapping users' mental models were described during an early design phase with respect to specific functional modules and operational aspects, it should be noted that the attached claims are not necessarily limited to the specific modules, data processing techniques, or configurations described. Rather, the disclosed components, data flows, and arrangements are provided as illustrative examples of implementations of the system for mapping users' mental models to aid in the evaluation and refinement of the design.

Claims

[1] System (100) for mapping mental user models during an early design phase, wherein the system (100) comprises: an interface module (102) configured to allow the user to interact with a design representation; a data acquisition module (104); a cognitive mapping module (106) configured to process the captured multimodal user interaction data to generate a structured representation of a mental user model; an analysis module (108) configured to identify relationships between design elements of the cost-effective prototype interface and the generated mental user model; an output module (110) configured to present the structured representation of the mental user model for use in design evaluation and refinement, where the system (100) assigns the mental user model to improve user experience and design creativity. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the data acquisition module (104) acquires multimodal user interaction data, including eye-tracking-based visual attention data, interaction behavior data and verbal or textual user feedback data during interaction with the cost-effective prototype interface. [3] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the output module (110) generates worksheets for the representation of the mental model, which visually represent the structured representation of the mental user model for use during design evaluation or ideation in the early stage.

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