Application of EMI: Gas Stovetop Design  

2.  Availability Design 

Back ~ C1A2 ~ A3 ~ L4 ~ L5 ~ L6        

Updating Conceptual Models: Making New Information Easy to Associate

Episodic Model Associations Matrix

The electric burner in Fig. 1 is different from a typical user's conceptual model. Associations with LTM are moderate due to the use of controls, less familiar for this type of device, as shown in Fig. 2. However, because the controls are clearky labeled (e.g., timer, temperature scale) and users will typically have had interactions with similar types of controls for different electric appliances, the user should be able to update their conceptual model of the electric burner using easily available parts of other conceptual models. The two arrows change the temperature up and down, and the far button on the right turns the burner on and off. Nevertheless, because the controls are more numerous than a typical user's original conceptual model, and includes a timer on the far left not normally associated with a burner, it is unlikely that users will be able to sketch the design accurately after seeing it once.

The electric burner in Fig. 3 does not have a control knob and is thus different from a user's typical conceptual model. However, because users will easily recognize the on and off push button from other electric appliances they have used, they will very quickly be able to use this burner and remember the design quite easily. 


Fig. 1. Electric Burner with Different Controls

Click for Larger Image

Fig. 2. Familiar Controls But Somewhat Cluttered

Click for Larger View

Fig. 3. Push Button Electric Burner

Back to EMI