Design ambiguity causing confusion and misinterpretation due to reliance on unscientific beliefs and principles

In the world of design, there are certain assumptions people make about how devices and systems work, known as folk theories. These assumptions, though seemingly harmless, can have damaging consequences, as highlighted in the case of thermostats.

In popular culture, the valve theory and the timer theory are common folk theories regarding thermostats. The valve theory suggests that adjusting the temperature higher results in faster heating, while the timer theory assumes that the thermostat controls the device's on/off time. However, in reality, the thermostat operates as an on/off switch, and the temperature rises or decreases until it reaches the set temperature.

These misunderstandings can lead to inefficiencies and potential negative environmental impacts, such as increased energy consumption. For instance, if a large number of people hold the folk theory that adjusting the thermostat temperature higher results in faster heating, significant energy use can be affected unnecessarily.

The term "folk theories" was first coined by the designer Don Norman in his seminal work "The Design of Everyday Things." He also discussed folk theories in the context of design, emphasising the importance of appropriate and clear feedback, constraints, and easy-to-understand instructions to prevent users from relying on these assumptions.

Mental models, another concept related to folk theories, are mental representations of how a system works. Understanding and addressing folk theories in design requires a deep understanding of the mental models that users hold. Dr. Kristina Lapin discusses conceptual models in the field of Interaction Design (IxD), while Jakob Nielsen discusses mental models in the context of user experience design.

Mental models are a useful resource for more information on this topic. They provide insights into how users think about and interact with various devices and systems, helping designers create more intuitive and user-friendly designs.

In an amusing anecdote from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the character Clark Griswold incorrectly assumed that connecting two extension leads would restore 250 strands of Christmas lights. This is a prime example of a folk theory leading to damaging results.

As we move forward, it's crucial for designers to be aware of folk theories and mental models to create more efficient, user-friendly, and environmentally-friendly designs.

On a separate note, for those interested in expanding their knowledge in design, there are upcoming online courses on Web Design for Usability, Getting Your Product Used: Adoption and Appropriation, and Gamification - How to Create Engaging User Experiences.

[Image Credit: sineadosullivan]

This article aims to shed light on the importance of understanding folk theories and mental models in design, with a focus on the often misunderstood thermostat. By creating designs that are intuitive, user-friendly, and environmentally conscious, we can mitigate the negative impacts of folk theories and promote more efficient energy use.

In the spirit of continuous learning, the author encourages readers to explore resources on mental models, such as works by Don Norman, Dr. Kristina Lapin, and Jakob Nielsen, to deepen their understanding of this topic.

The header image for this article is credited to sineadosullivan.

Design ambiguity causing confusion and misinterpretation due to reliance on unscientific beliefs and principles