Improving the user experience of complex applications: adapting to the user's mental model

Motivation -- To develop a user model based on the users' visual and verbal skills which are important factors in the mental models users employ when interacting with computers. Research approach -- A laboratory based empirical approach was used, in which 50 participants took part in visual skills, verbal skills and Riding's Cognitive Style Analysis (CSA) tests. Findings/Design -- We were able to show that Riding's CSA test was not a valid measure for the visual and verbal skills required for user performance in complex applications. A factor analysis conducted on the data gathered was able to identify important components of the necessary skills. Research limitations/Implications -- The use of laboratory based studies in order to measure real life skills are a limitation of the study. However we argue that our findings are generally applicable in wider contexts. Originality/Value -- This research makes an important contribution to understanding how to model the skills necessary for users to interact with complex applications Take away message -- As computer interaction becomes increasingly more complex, it is likely that valid measures of user characteristics and skills, such as those that we are developing will become increasingly important.