Mental Models of Blind Users in the Windows Environment

Abstract

The study investigates blind computer users’ mental models in Windows environments through interviews and user observation. Five blind users described their strategies in dealing with a new Windows application. The study showed that blind users had similar and highly structured strategies. They adopted three stages of strategy: exploration, task-action and configuration. Blind users were also observed to have three types of mental models of the Windows environment: structural, functional or a combination of these two models. Users have more problems in using a new application when there is a mismatch between the user’s established mental model and the way the application works.