Week 3 Workshop

What is the main goal of a mental model?

• To remember colors

• To build a system

• To understand how something works

• To make decisions fast

Answer explanation

A mental model helps users understand how a system works based on their past experience. It guides what to do next and how to handle unexpected situations.

Which of these is NOT one of the six cognitive processes?

• Attention

• Learning

• Designing

• Memory

Answer explanation

The six core processes are: attention, perception, memory, learning, language (reading/speaking/listening), and problem-solving. Designing is not one of them.

What is the name of your demonstrator?

• Braa

• Baraa

• Bara

• Bra

Why is recognition easier than recall in interface design?

• It saves storage

• It looks better

• It helps users find things without remembering

• It requires training

Answer explanation

Recognition means users can identify something when they see it (like icons or history lists), while recall requires remembering from scratch, which is harder.

What helps grab the user's attention on a screen?

• Long text

• Hidden menus

• Background music

• Flashing lights and colors

Answer explanation

Bright colors, flashing lights, and clear layout make important information stand out and help users focus.

What is an example of external cognition?

• Using your memory to plan

• Solving a math problem in your head

• Writing a to-do list

• Listening to a podcast

Answer explanation

External cognition uses tools (like lists or notes) outside the brain to help think and remember.

This week is the __________ week of Semester 2.

• First

• Second

• Fourth

• Third

What happens when users apply the “more is better” idea to a thermostat?

• The room heats faster

• It breaks the system

• It uses less energy

• It shows a wrong mental model

Answer explanation

Users often think turning the thermostat up very high makes the room heat faster. This is based on a wrong mental model, like how we turn up volume or speed.

Why is the “7±2” rule often misused in design?

• People love odd numbers

• Designers use it to limit choices, even when not needed

• It was never a real theory

• It only applies to mobile apps

Answer explanation

The “7±2” rule comes from George Miller’s theory about short-term memory, suggesting that people can recall 5 to 9 items. However, this theory is often misapplied in interface design.

Designers sometimes limit menu items, tabs, or bullets to 7 because they think users can’t handle more. But in interfaces, users are typically recognizing options — not recalling them from memory — which is much easier.

What does distributed cognition mean?

• Everyone thinks the same way

• Thinking only happens in the brain

• Sharing thinking across people and tools

• Learning in groups

Answer explanation

Distributed cognition means thinking happens across people, tools, devices, and environments — not just inside one person’s head.