A7.15

Layers of a mental model — functional, structural, implementation

Cards in this group · 5

  1. A7.15.1The functional level describes what a system can do, mapped directly to user goals
  2. A7.15.2The structural level describes how functions are organized and related, the basis for navigating complex tasks
  3. A7.15.3The implementation level describes concrete underlying mechanisms, which most users don't need and shouldn't be required to understand
  4. A7.15.4An interface that exposes implementation detail while omitting the structural level leaves users knowing the parts but unable to assemble the whole
  5. A7.15.5Documentation at different levels should target users of different proficiency