How to Model Concepts & Processes

How to Model Concepts & Processes

Concept Modeling is a process used in UX design and product development to visualize and clarify how users will interact with a product or system.

The concept model serves as a foundation for understanding the high-level structure and relationships between components, as well as the users' mental models of the system.

It’s especially useful in information architecture, interaction design, and systems design, and in the foundational stages of product design.

Define the Objective and Scope

The first step in the concept model process is to clearly define the objective of the modeling effort and the scope of the product or system being designed.

Objective

What do you want to achieve with this concept model? Is it to clarify the structure of a website, an app, or an internal system?

Scope

Are you modeling an entire product or just a specific part of it? Are you focusing on the user experience, functionality, or information flow?

Gather User Research and Requirements

The next step involves gathering data from users, stakeholders, and any relevant sources to understand their needs, expectations, and mental models. 

User Research

Gather insights about users’ goals, behaviors, and pain points. What tasks do they want to accomplish with the product?

Stakeholder Input

Ensure you understand the business objectives and technical constraints from stakeholders.

Competitive Analysis

Look at similar products to identify common patterns and features users may expect.

Identify Key Concepts and Categories

Once you have a solid understanding of the user needs and system requirements, identify the key concepts or entities that need to be represented in the model. These could be things like tasks, features, content types, or system states.

Identify the major categories or sections of the product that will be represented in the model (dashboard, accounts, settings, transactions).

Define how these key concepts relate to one another.

Define Relationships Between Concepts

In this step, you define the relationships between the key concepts identified earlier. How do these concepts interact with one another? What are the flows or connections between different components or screens?

Hierarchy

How do the concepts fit into a larger structure? Is there a clear top-down relationship, or are the concepts more interconnected in a networked way?

Interactions

What happens when users move between different sections? What is the user flow or path?

Develop the Concept Model

Now that you have identified the concepts and their relationships, you can create a visual representation of the concept model. This can take the form of a diagram or a map that illustrates how the different concepts and categories interact with each other.

The model should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Diagrams

Use flowcharts, mind maps, wireframes, or card sorting techniques to visually represent the concepts and their relationships.

Wireframes

Sometimes, low-fidelity wireframes are used to represent how the concepts will be organized on the user interface.

Validate and Refine the Model

The concept model should be validated with users, stakeholders, and team members. This step helps ensure that the model is intuitive and aligns with the target users' mental models.

Usability Testing

Conduct usability tests to see if users understand and navigate the concept model as intended. You can use techniques like card sorting to validate the organization of concepts.

Feedback and Iteration

Gather feedback and refine the model based on the insights. This may involve tweaking the categories, relationships, or flows to improve clarity and usability.

Apply the Concept Model in Design

Once validated, the concept model serves as a foundation for the rest of the design process. It will influence information architecture, interaction design, and even content strategy.

Architecture

The model helps inform the site map, navigation, and user flows.

Wireframes/Prototypes

The model provides a clear outline of how the product should be structured, which will be translated into more detailed wireframes or prototypes.

Example

Using the banking app concept model, design the interface and navigation system so that users can quickly access key features such as checking balances, making transfers, or adjusting security settings.

Document and Share the Model

Finally, document the concept model and share it with all relevant stakeholders. This will ensure everyone involved in the project understands the foundational structure of the product and can align their work around it. The model may need to be updated throughout the development process as new features or insights emerge.

Benefits of Concept Modeling

Clarifies Structure

It helps clarify the overall structure of the product, which is especially important for complex systems or products.

Aligns Teams

By providing a visual representation, concept modeling ensures that all team members (designers, developers, stakeholders) are aligned on the key features and their relationships.

Improves User Experience

By considering how users think about the product and its components, the concept model ensures the product is easier to use and more intuitive.

Informs Design Decisions

It acts as a blueprint for making design decisions, from information architecture to UI design.