>Again, you'll get on the right track if you understand the difference
>between a representation of a model and the model itself in people's minds.
>
>[stf]

Just a very short note:
This difference is nicely taken into account in the very pragmatic approach
to UI design David Redmond Pyle and Alan Moore take in their book
"Graphical User Interface and Design". The chapter on user object modeling
describes how to build a  representation of entities and their
relationships which within a specific system are most likely to make sense
to (the different groups of) users - this in order to AID these users in
building effective mental models.

Actually, the only thing we designers can do is try very hard not to be
misunderstood too severely. And still a lot can go wrong between
representation and interpretation.

My not-even-two-cents of cheerful pessimism,
Marike.

Mari(ke/ng) <> [log in to unmask]