Module 2: Cognition and User Expectations
Readings for Module 2/Week 2 of Class
Required Readings
Reading 1: Cognitive Load Theory -- The concept of cognitive load is central to mental processing and to usability expectations. This entry from MindTools summarizes what cognitive load is, how it works, and how leads to different approaches for organizing and managing information that can affect how individuals use items. This entry can provide a foundation for understanding how the workings of (and limitations of) the human mind affect usability and expectations of user experience design.
Reading 2: The Role of a Schema in Psychology -- This entry from verywellmind discusses what schemas are and how they work. The entry also notes the limits of using schemas to understand cognitive processes. The entry also provides readers with a framework for using schema in usability, user testing, and user experience design.
Reading 3: Context, Culture, and Usability -- This article from Intercom magazine examines how individuals working in technical communication can use schemas to understand usability activities and communication practices. The entry also identifies factors technical communicators might consider when researching the usability expectations individuals associate with different contexts.
Reading 4: Of Scripts and Prototypes: A Two-Part Approach to User Experience Design for International Contexts -- This entry from the academic journal Technical Communication explains how individuals can use script theory for usability and design activities. The entry explains how prototypes are connected to scripts and affect design expectations – particularly in relation to culture and usability. The entry also provides a model for mapping the contexts where audiences use materials in order to better understand how the context where items are used (i.e., context of use) influences expectations of what constitutes usable design in a setting.
Additional Readings (Not required, but can provide additional insights on ideas in this module)
Reading 5: Schema.org -- This entry is a web portal individuals with an interest in schemas and their uses use to share information on this topic. It can be a resource to consult when considering how schema factors might affect usability expectations or user experience design research. Within this site, the section on “Organization of Schemas” (see http://schema.org/docs/schemas.html) can provide interesting insights on schemas used to guide activities in various situations.
Reading 6: A Prototype Theory Approach to International Web Site Analysis and Design -- This article (from the journal Technical Communication Quarterly) explains what prototypes are and how they affect expectations for identifying and using items we encounter. The entry also presents strategies for understanding and addressing the design expectations of different audiences. (Note: While the article focuses on cultural expectations, one can use the same approach to study the expectations of different audiences within a culture.) As such, this entry offers a framework for applying prototype-related ideas to usability and design activities.
Reading 1: Cognitive Load Theory -- The concept of cognitive load is central to mental processing and to usability expectations. This entry from MindTools summarizes what cognitive load is, how it works, and how leads to different approaches for organizing and managing information that can affect how individuals use items. This entry can provide a foundation for understanding how the workings of (and limitations of) the human mind affect usability and expectations of user experience design.
Reading 2: The Role of a Schema in Psychology -- This entry from verywellmind discusses what schemas are and how they work. The entry also notes the limits of using schemas to understand cognitive processes. The entry also provides readers with a framework for using schema in usability, user testing, and user experience design.
Reading 3: Context, Culture, and Usability -- This article from Intercom magazine examines how individuals working in technical communication can use schemas to understand usability activities and communication practices. The entry also identifies factors technical communicators might consider when researching the usability expectations individuals associate with different contexts.
Reading 4: Of Scripts and Prototypes: A Two-Part Approach to User Experience Design for International Contexts -- This entry from the academic journal Technical Communication explains how individuals can use script theory for usability and design activities. The entry explains how prototypes are connected to scripts and affect design expectations – particularly in relation to culture and usability. The entry also provides a model for mapping the contexts where audiences use materials in order to better understand how the context where items are used (i.e., context of use) influences expectations of what constitutes usable design in a setting.
Additional Readings (Not required, but can provide additional insights on ideas in this module)
Reading 5: Schema.org -- This entry is a web portal individuals with an interest in schemas and their uses use to share information on this topic. It can be a resource to consult when considering how schema factors might affect usability expectations or user experience design research. Within this site, the section on “Organization of Schemas” (see http://schema.org/docs/schemas.html) can provide interesting insights on schemas used to guide activities in various situations.
Reading 6: A Prototype Theory Approach to International Web Site Analysis and Design -- This article (from the journal Technical Communication Quarterly) explains what prototypes are and how they affect expectations for identifying and using items we encounter. The entry also presents strategies for understanding and addressing the design expectations of different audiences. (Note: While the article focuses on cultural expectations, one can use the same approach to study the expectations of different audiences within a culture.) As such, this entry offers a framework for applying prototype-related ideas to usability and design activities.
Other Module 2/Week 2 Materials
To access other materials for Module 2/Week 2, click on the related link below