[Sigia-l] IA myths: conceptual model of navigation - was: mix ing applesand oranges and tomatoes

[PeterV]

>But, the few they look at tell them something about what else is on the site.
>After they make their first choice, some assumptions are made about what is
>behind the other curtains. These assumptions aggregate into a mental model of
>expectations. It may not fit the site map at all, and that may not matter as
>long as their assumptions are at least correct enough for them to successfully
>use the site.

Yes, with those types of mental models I certainly agree. I just meant this 
shouldn't be confused with users "making a mental model of the navigation". 
I don't think they do. But they do make models of the "what is this site 
about" type. Mmmm, I can feel some research coming up.

>I also love the "muscle memory" analogy. It is a great one.

Isn't it? Decent metaphors don't come along that often - I put it on the 
IAwiki
http://www.iawiki.net/MuscleMemory
http://www.iawiki.net/ConceptualModelOfNavigation
PeterV
http://petervandijck.net