MENTAL MODEL · M12112

Cognitive Walkthrough

Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Science

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Simulate the user's perspective, step through the task flow, and at each step ask: 1. Will the user try to do the right action? 2. Is the correct action visible? 3. Can the user connect the action to the goal? 4. Can the user tell from feedback that progress is being made?

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Use a structured method to discover design blind spots. Designers often fall into the "curse of knowledge"—forgetting what users don't know. The walkthrough forces you to experience the system from the perspective of an ignorant user.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Designers suffer from the "curse of knowledge," assuming users know what they know; the walkthrough is driven by a novice's goals, asking four questions at each step (Will they do it? Is it visible? Is it connected? Is there feedback?), exposing understanding gaps.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/1

Practice this model in one real situation:

First, define the typical user and target task. Second, step through the process, asking the four questions at each step. Third, record gaps and fix them, then walk through again.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_walkthroughZH · Explicit
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