Mental Models: Aligning Design Strategy with Human Behavior

by Indi Young

There is no single methodology for creating the perfect product-but you can increase your odds. One of the best ways is to understand users' reasons for doing things. Mental Models gives you the tools to help you grasp, and design for, those reasons. Adaptive Path co-founder Indi Young has written a roll-up-your-sleeves book for designers, managers, and anyone else interested in making design strategic, and successful.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933820063
• ISBN13: 9781933820064
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Rosenfeld Media
• Length: 299 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Must Have Book for the UX Professional

Creating mental models has been at the core of my design practice for some time. I was really excited to hear that Indi Young was actually writing a book about this great technique. After thumbing my way through the book it looks awesome. It has a great balance of information with a strong focus on the doing. The overall production of the book really shines. Amazingly enough there is a logical flow to the book, which other books in this realm sometimes seem to be lacking. There are ample examples and even exercises to get you into the right mind set. If you are looking for an extremely effective method to evaluate user research I would definitely add this book to your shelf. Kudos to both the author and the publisher!

Great Approach to Design, Not Just For The Web

Indi's mental model process is the best for creating a solid information architecture that: 1. Reflects the audiences' approach 2. Is streamlined 3. Is designed for future needs/opportunity. It's a great tool to help drive the creation of appropriate features and content that map to the real interests of users/consumers. And, it also helps identify the stuff you can get rid of (ROT). It is an EXCELLENT tool for selling through ideas internally - you will have a strong model based on research that is hard to debate. I've used this method many times, not only for web design, but also for organizational change recommendations and product design. While it's a bit of an investment up front, it's well worth it! You will save money and time down the line if you invest in this process up front, and you will have a stronger product as a result. The book is well written and organized for those interested in approaching design this way! I'd highly recommend!

Already indispensible - a great resource!

Our team at work has using bits and pieces of Indi's mental modeling ideas for the past couple of years. Needless to say, I was very excited when her new book arrived in the mail last week. It hasn't disappointed. The book is detailed and clear about mental modeling methods and practices, and strikes a nice balance between the thinking and doing aspects of creating a mental model. In particular, that research strategy sections are excellent and have already give our team some great new perspectives on how to approach our work. There are no weak spots in this book. It covers everything you need to know and covers it well. Highly recommended for anyone in the information architecture, experience design or customer research fields who are looking to more effectively mesh the needs of businesses and consumers to drive creative output.

A Practical, Well-Written Book for Any IA's Bookshelf

I've been waiting for this book for the past year. AFter attending Indi Young's excellent workshop in mental models/alignment diagrams last year at the IA Summit, I knew that a practical, hands-on book would enhance that training. I'm not disappointed. Indeed, this book provides great how-to approaches to finding the mental models that users bring to an experience. First she goes into the what, when, how, and why of mental models. Think of this area as the theory section. Next she takes you from the definition through development of the work, including information & tips on recruiting and interviewing. Her verb-oriented approach helps me understand just how to take work I've done before, techniques I'm versed in, and create the alignment diagrams that evince mental models. Finally, Young details how to apply the results of your research. Practical, effective, and insightful, "Mental Models: Aligning design strategy with human behavior" answers a hands-on need for information architects, interface designers, business analysts, and anyone who wants to create user-centered, successful experiences. Oh--and she's a great writer too, so you'll find it fun to read.