Conceptual models : core to good design /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author:	Johnson, Jeff (Consultant)
Other Authors:	Henderson, Austin
Format:	eBook
Language:	English
Published:	San Rafael, Calif. (1537 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 USA) : Morgan & Claypool, [2012]
Series:	Synthesis lectures on human-centered informatics ; #12.
Subjects:	Conceptual structures (Information theory) Computer programs > Design. User interfaces (Computer systems) > Design. COMPUTERS / Information Theory. conceptual model conceptual design concepts task-domain tasks tools task-to-tool mapping object/operations analysis interaction design user interface design application design software design design usability software development method software development process Electronic books.
Online Access:	Connect to the full text of this electronic book Connect to the full text of this electronic book

Description
Abstract:	People make use of software applications in their activities, applying them as tools in carrying out tasks. That this use should be good for people - easy, effective, efficient, and enjoyable - is a principal goal of design. In this book, we present the notion of Conceptual Models, and argue that Conceptual Models are core to achieving good design. From years of helping companies create software applications, we have come to believe that building applications without Conceptual Models is just asking for designs that will be confusing and difficult to learn, remember, and use. We show how Conceptual Models are the central link between the elements involved in application use: people's tasks (task domains), the use of tools to perform the tasks, the conceptual structure of those tools, the presentation of the conceptual model (i.e., the user interface), the language used to describe it, its implementation, and the learning that people must do to use the application. We further show that putting a Conceptual Model at the center of the design and development process can pay rich dividends: designs that are simpler and mesh better with users' tasks, avoidance of unnecessary features, easier documentation, faster development, improved customer uptake, and decreased need for training and customer support.
Item Description:	Part of: Synthesis digital library of engineering and computer science. Electronic resource.
Physical Description:	1 online resource (xiii, 96 pages) : illustrations
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 91-93).
ISBN:	9781608457502 (electronic bk.) 1608457508 (electronic bk.)
ISSN:	1946-7699 ;