Model Human Processor (MHP)

Definition of Model Human Processor (MHP)

The Model Human Processor, developed by Card, Moran and Newell, is a design tool that is used for creating an effective user interface. It draws an analogy between the processing and storage facilities in a computer system with the perceptual, cognitive, memory and motor activities of a computer user. The Model Human Processor describes how a user interacts with a computer system:

A visual or audible stimulus is captured.

The physical attributes of the stimulus are decoded.

Response.

Example

A pop up message appears on the screen (perception).

The user works out the response that is needed (cognitive processing).

A motor response is initiated (response).

The mouse is moved and a button is clicked.

The Model Human Processor provides a set of rules for effective system design:

• Support recognition rather than recall.
• Reduce the load on the short term (or working) memory.
• Support the production of chunks of items to facilitate memory.
• Frequent activities become automatic and do not require conscious attention.
• For highly practised responses, requiring a confirmation of the response will not necessarily reduce errors.