ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on how the concept of mental models applied in design to elicit behaviour change that results in increased achievement of home-heating goals. It investigates the barriers to be overcome in order to apply the notion of mental models pragmatically. The book describes the development of the Quick Association Check (QuACk) – a semi-structured interview with paper-based activities and templates. It highlights how broader variables such as household thermodynamics, would facilitate a user mental model of home heating that enables appropriate behaviour with controls. The book reveals the benefits of a mental-model-driven design in terms of home-heating goal achievement, behaviour with heating controls and evocation of appropriate mental models at the device and system levels.
