Mental Models

Mental models and user requirements versus business requirements are two crucial concepts in user interface design. As stated by Weinschenk, “In the field of user interface design, a mental model refers to the representation of something – the real world, a device software, etc. – that the user has in mind… Users create mental models very quickly, often before they even use the software or device.”

Because mental models are so influential, designers must consider them throughout product creation. Failure to do so will likely lead to a product that is hard to learn and use. Weinschenk writes, “If the designers of the conceptual model didn’t take the user’s mental model into account then it is highly likely that the product will be hard to learn and use.” The more complicated a product is to learn and use, the less satisfied the user will be and the less likely they will continue using the product if it is not required.

Designing for a small set of personas or user groups will ensure tremendous success in hitting the target. Baxter says, “Designing for a small set of personas will assure greater success of hitting [the] target,” because creating a product tailored to a specific group of users will make it more user-friendly and increase the likelihood of the product being successful. However, it is essential to note that some users will always be dissatisfied with the product. This audience is known as anti-users. As Baxter states, “An anti-user is one who would not buy or use the product in any way.” It is vital for designers to be aware of these anti-users and document them as antiprinciples.

User Needs vs. Business Needs

One of the main challenges in user interface design is balancing the needs of the user with the needs of the business. As Baxter states, “You may find stakeholders suggesting the inclusion of features in the product just because it is technically impressive, sounds like a good idea, or is a pet project of someone in management.” However, it is essential to remember that these features may not be beneficial to the user and could even harm the overall user experience. It is crucial to prioritize the needs of the user over the needs of the business to ensure that the product is successful.

There are many strategies for prioritizing the user while satisfying the business. Ultimately, reminding stakeholders that a happier user directly results in better business and profit margins is most effective. Conducting user research provides the most vital possible starting point for assessing and incorporating the needs of both the user and the business. Neither can be successful without the other, so both must be considered and addressed as necessary. 

Successfully addressing both user and business needs requires us to address why businesses might dismiss user needs. UX Design Institute points out three common obstructions; 

• “A team assumes they know what their users want.”
• “A team gets stuck in the weeds of an issue.”
• “A team gets stuck under pressure and starts to cut corners.”

Although these stumbling blocks could lead to a project’s downfall, some preventive measures can stop them from occurring or reversing their effects. The first is to set well-defined goals. UX Design Institute says, “once a business has a better idea of its users’ needs, it can start planning out a way to get there and stay on track.” 

In addition to specific goals, writing a problem statement about the product can immensely help a project stay focused. Maria Rosala of the Nielsen Norman Group explains that, “a problem statement is a concise description of the problem that needs to be solved.” Beginning a project with a problem statement addresses the users’ and business goals and helps keep the project on track. 

Finally, user research should not stop with the foundational steps of the project. It is essential to listen to feedback throughout the process. Although goals and problem statements might put your project on the right track, they might require adjustment. Different iterations can bring unforeseen user needs to the forefront and call for some reassessment. Continuing to gather feedback increases the chances that the final product will be successful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mental models and user requirements versus business requirements are crucial concepts in user interface design. Designers must consider the user’s mental model and create a product tailored to the needs of a specific group of users. It is also vital to document antiprinciples and prioritize the needs of the user over the needs of the business to ensure that the product is successful.

Sources

Balancing Business Needs and User Needs in a Product. UX Design Institute. (2022, May 19). Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/business-needs-and-user-needs/ 

Baxter, K., Courage, C., & Caine, K. (2015). Understanding your users: A practical guide to user research methods. Elsevier Science. 

Rosala, Maria. “Problem Statements in UX Discovery.” Nielsen Norman Group, 22 Aug. 2021, https://www.nngroup.com/articles/problem-statements/. 

Weinschenk, S. (2011, October 8). The secret to designing an intuitive UX. UX Magazine. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://uxmag.com/articles/the-secret-to-designing-an-intuitive-user-experience