Design Interfaces Around User Mental Models
Psychology & UX Laws · authentication, mental models
Updated 2026-07-28
- Users do not think in database structures or technical systems. They think in goals.
- Match the interface language to the user's understanding:
- "Move to trash" instead of "soft delete."
- "Save changes" instead of "commit mutation."
- Use familiar patterns:
- Common icons.
- Expected button placement.
- Standard interactions.
- Avoid making users remember information:
- Show context.
- Preserve previous choices.
- Keep important information visible.
- Reduce cognitive load:
- Group related things.
- Remove unnecessary choices.
- Highlight what matters.
- Great interfaces feel obvious because they match how users already think.
Related guides
UX Handbook