Explain the concept of mental models in HCI.

Explain the concept of mental models in HCI.

Mental models in HCI refer to the internal representations or understanding that individuals develop about how a system or interface works. These mental models are based on their prior knowledge, experiences, and interactions with similar systems. They help users predict and anticipate the behavior of a system, allowing them to effectively interact with it. Designers aim to align the mental models of users with the conceptual models of the system to enhance usability and user experience.