A key factor in understanding the usability of an interface is to understand the user's mental model. However, most mental model research tends to be more descriptive than predictive. The following work outlines a theoretical framework well supported by cognitive science and cognitive psychology research called Mental Model Imprinting (MMI). MMI attempts to explain how mental models are processed in working memory so designers are better able to predict user interactions and ascertain why certain design features are more effective than others. A study is currently being planned to test for positive correlations between MMI based design treatments and Web-based navigation menus.
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