Mental models help user predict how a system (web, application or other kind of product) will work and, therefore, influence how they interact with an interface. When a product align with a user’s existing mental models, it feels intuitive and easy to adopt. When it clashes, it can cause frustration, confusion, or abandonment.
E.g. Github Copilot builds upon developers’ mental models from traditional code autocomplete, easing the transition to AI-powered code suggestions
E.g. Adobe Photoshop builds upon the familiar approach of extending an image using rectangular controls by integrating its Generative Fill feature, which intelligently fills the newly created space.
How to use this pattern
Identifying and build upon existing mental models by questioning
What is the user journey and what is user trying to do?
What mental models might already be in place?
Does this product break any intuitive patterns of cause and effect?
Are you breaking an existing mental model? If yes, clearly explain how and why. Good onboarding, microcopy, and visual cues can help bridge the gap.