Models, Theories, and Frameworks

Summarized from 'Interaction Design: beyond Human-Computer Interaction' by Sharp, Helen and Rogers, Yvonne and Preece, Jenny. Wiley, 2007.

Theories, models, and frameworks are sources of inspiration and knowledge that are used to inform design and guide research.

Theories are well-substantiated explanations of some aspect of a phenomenon. Theories provide a means of analysis and prediction (in HCI analysis and prediction of user performance when interacting with the interface).

For example, the theory of information processing explains how the mind, or some aspects of it, is assumed to work.

Models are simplifications of some aspect of human-computer interaction intended to make it easier for designers to predict and evaluate alternative designs. Models are typically abstracted from a theory coming from a contributing discipline (e.g. psychology).

Frameworks are sets of interrelated concepts and/or sets of specific questions that are intended to inform a particular domain area (e.g. collaborative learning). Frameworks help designers constrain and scope the user experience.

In contrast to a model - which is a simplification of a phenomenon- a framework offers advice to designers as to what to design and look for. A framework can be in the form of steps, questions, concepts, or principals.

Frameworks are usually developed from experience of actual design practice and the findings arising from user studies.

Theories, models, and frameworks overlap in their way of conceptualizing the problem and the design space, but vary in their level of rigor, abstraction, and purpose.

Theories tend to be comprehensive explaining human-computer interaction.

Models tend to simplify some aspects of human-computer interaction providing a basis for designing and evaluating systems.

Frameworks tend to be prescriptive providing designers with concepts and principals to consider when designing for user experience.