Behaviour Models

Predictive Models

Predictive Models predict the way that a user would behave/interact with the user interface that is on their device. There are different predicative models that’s will give you guidance when designing/creating interfaces and systems such as how long a user will take to click a certain button or how long it will take them to get from one side of the screen to another. The time taken to get from one screen to another will also depend on the user on how much they know about a computer and how much time they spend on a computer. Also it will also depend on how good the system is, for example, how long it will take the system to complete the action.

Descriptive Models

There are different descriptive models such as:

·         Key-Action Model (KAM)

·         Buxton’s Three State Model

·         Guiard’s Model of Bimanual Skill

The Key-Action Model takes into consideration how the user will expect the computer to respond when they have given the computer an action such as when they drag a file from one location to another. Computers will delay an action now and again because the system could be performing an action in the background which will put the action that the user is carrying out on delay until the action in the background is completed. Sometimes the computer will show this by putting a loading sign or a percentage on the screen showing them that something else is going on.

Buxton’s Three State Model takes into consideration what the input method is such as it could be a mice or a touchpad. Using a different way of input will come back with different response times, for example, when you can use a touch screen it will be faster than using a mouse as using your finger can be more accurate at getting from one place to another.

Guiard’s Model of Bimanual Skill refers to the setup of the user and how they use their hands, for example, if they use their dominant hand to use the keyboard or to use the mouse. If someone’s dominant hand is left the user interface may be more suited for the right hand because of the resting position of the mouse for each hand will be in different places.