Mapping and Natural Mapping
Mapping (from mathematics): the relationship between two sets — e.g., which switch controls which light. A core concept in laying out controls and displays.
Natural mapping: exploiting spatial/physical/cultural analogies so the relationship is understood immediately:
- To move something up, move the control up.
- Arrange light switches in the same pattern as the lights (2-D layout matching the room). See "Case: Del Mar Light Switches (natural mapping)".
- Seat-adjustment control shaped like the seat (Mercedes example).
- Some mappings are biological/cultural universals (up = more, down = less).
- Uses Gestalt principles: group related controls; place controls close to what they control.
Key claims:
- A control is easiest to learn when there is an understandable mapping between control, action, and result — backed by a compelling conceptual model (steering wheel turns right → car turns right; the model need not be physically accurate, only useful).
- Natural mappings work by providing logical constraints (see Four Kinds of Constraints).
- Caution: many mappings that "feel natural" are culture-specific — what is natural in one culture may not be in another (ch.3 on culture & time).
Confidence
1.0 — explicitly defined; extensive examples.
Sources: ["DOET ch.1 'Mapping' p.20-23; ch.3 'Natural Mapping' p.113-118"]