GOMS Model

Definition

The GOMS model is a cognitive modeling technique used to analyze and predict user behavior in human-computer interaction. It breaks down tasks into Goals, Operators, Methods, and Selection rules, providing a structured approach to understanding how users interact with systems. This model helps in evaluating usability by allowing designers to simulate user performance and identify potential issues in the design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GOMS stands for Goals, Operators, Methods, and Selection rules, each representing different components of user tasks.
2. This model is particularly useful in predicting the time it takes for users to complete tasks based on the complexity of the operations involved.
3. It allows designers to identify bottlenecks in user workflows by analyzing the methods chosen to achieve specific goals.
4. GOMS can be applied in various contexts, including software design and web usability, making it a versatile tool for enhancing user experience.
5. By using GOMS modeling, designers can make data-driven decisions about interface design that align with user behavior patterns.

Review Questions

• How does the GOMS model help improve user interaction with systems?
  • The GOMS model improves user interaction by breaking down complex tasks into simpler components, allowing designers to understand how users approach different goals. By analyzing each aspect—Goals, Operators, Methods, and Selection rules—designers can predict how long tasks will take and identify any potential usability issues. This insight enables more informed design decisions that align better with user needs.
• Discuss the relationship between GOMS modeling and usability testing in evaluating system designs.
  • GOMS modeling complements usability testing by providing a theoretical framework for understanding user behavior before testing begins. While GOMS allows for predictions about task completion times and methods, usability testing observes real users interacting with the system. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to evaluating designs; GOMS identifies potential issues early on while usability testing confirms those findings in real-world scenarios.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using the GOMS model in the context of cognitive walkthroughs.
  • Using the GOMS model in cognitive walkthroughs offers strengths such as detailed analysis of user tasks and clear insights into the efficiency of various methods. However, its limitations include an overemphasis on quantitative aspects, potentially neglecting qualitative user experiences during interactions. In a cognitive walkthrough, while GOMS provides a structured view of task performance, it may not fully capture emotional or situational factors influencing user decisions during real-world use.

Related terms

Cognitive Load:

The amount of mental effort being used in the working memory, which affects how easily users can process information while interacting with a system.

Usability Testing:

A technique used to evaluate a product by testing it with real users to observe their interactions and identify usability problems.

Task Analysis:

A systematic approach to understanding how users perform tasks and what steps are necessary to achieve their goals, often used in user-centered design.