What is mapping in Norman's design principles?

The principle of mapping, introduced by Don Norman, plays a vital role in creating intuitive and user-friendly experiences. Mapping refers to the relationship between controls and the results they produce.

Mapping serves as a bridge that connects users' mental models and the design elements they interact with. When users can easily understand and predict the outcomes of their actions, it leads to a sense of control and confidence. By aligning the controls and their corresponding functions, designers can establish a clear and intuitive mapping, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Examples of mapping

In the context of mobile and web design, mapping can be observed in various aspects of the user interface. Here are some examples of mapping:

Iconography

Using icons is a common mapping technique in mobile and web design. Icons represent familiar objects or actions, allowing users to understand their purpose quickly. For instance, a magnifying glass icon is commonly used to represent search functionality, creating a clear mapping between the icon and the action of searching for content.

Progress bars

Progress bars commonly indicate a task's completion status or a file upload's progress. The mapping is between the progress bar's visual representation (e.g., filling up with color) and the completion percentage or remaining time. Users can understand the progress and estimate when the task will be completed based on visual mapping.

Checkbox selection

Checkboxes are frequently used to allow users to select multiple options. The mapping is straightforward, where checking or unchecking a checkbox represents selecting or deselecting an option. Users can visually perceive the mapping between the checkbox state and the action of including or excluding an item.

Mapping design guidelines

To effectively implement mapping in mobile and web design, designers should consider the following guidelines.

• Consistency: Maintain consistent mappings throughout the application or website to avoid confusion. Users should be able to apply their knowledge from one screen or section to other similar interactions within the same context.

• Clarity: Ensure that the mapping is clear and easily understandable. Design elements and controls should provide visual cues that help users infer the expected outcomes accurately.

• Affordances: Leverage affordances by designing controls and elements in a way that naturally suggests their purpose or function. Users should be able to anticipate the actions associated with specific controls.

• Feedback: Provide immediate and informative feedback to users when they interact with controls. Feedback helps users confirm the results of their actions and strengthens the mapping between controls and outcomes.