mental-model

Diagnose mental model misalignment by identifying what users believe versus actual system behavior. Use this analysis to design a faithful system image that either matches existing expectations or teaches a new model through onboarding.

Review reported misunderstandings to identify the exact moment of divergence between user assumptions and actual system behavior. Surface the difference at the time of action with clear, state-revealing UI patterns to prevent repeated user errors.

Evaluate which prior user expectations will transfer to the new interaction model, then write onboarding guidance to teach or correct the model. Ensure the underlying behavior is obvious so actions reliably produce the expected outcomes.

Apply familiar metaphors such as folders or a shopping cart in interaction design when they accurately reflect your system's actual behavior. This leverages existing user expectations and avoids the need to explicitly teach a new mental model.

Fix post-migration user confusion by identifying mismatches between the user's mental model and actual system behavior. Design a faithful system image and surface state-revealing UI patterns at the moment of action to clarify underlying behavior.

Yes, use the mental-model skill to evaluate a new onboarding flow by identifying which prior user expectations will transfer. Write guidance to teach or correct the interaction model so user actions reliably produce expected outcomes.