Conceptual Model

The phrase "conceptual model" bothered me when I started my PhD in March 2008. I encountered this phrase again today, which prompted me to refresh my understanding.

According to Johnson and Henderson (2002), a conceptual model is a high-level description of how a system is organised and operates. It specifies and describes:
- the major design metaphors and analogies employed in the design, if any.
- the concepts the system exposes to users, including the task-domain data-objects users create and manipulate, their attributes and the operations that can be performed on them.
- the relationships between these concepts.
- the mapping between the concepts and the task-domain the system is designed to support.

Game: What the game is to players?
System: What the system is to users?

What a Conceptual Model Is Not
~ is not the user interface, i.e. how the software looks or how it feels.
~ is not the user mental model of the system.
~ are not the use-cases (aka task-level scenarios), i.e. the stories about the domain tasks that users will have to carry out in their work.
~ is not an implementation architecture.

References:
Johnson, J., & Henderson, A. (2002). Conceptual Models: Begin by Designing What to Design. Interaction, 25-32.  

Verificationism and Falsificationism

Science is based on verificationism, i.e. demands experiment-based proves.

Before science is proven valid, science must pass the test of falsification.

Interesting and memorable quotes

When I watch movies, I enjoy listening to the dialogue between characters. I even jotted down some of the quotes, and then used them in speaking and writing. Unlike Chinese language, English quotes have no temporal constraint: the divide between modern Chinese and classical Chinese--which requires "translation" and interpretation when using them. 

Herewith some of my collection of interesting and memorable quotes:

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

“So you’re living down here by your wits all you’re alone, no responsibilities.”

“Oh I am. It’s incredible. No dependents, no limits. It’s the greatest life a single guy could now.”

Manny: Guys don't talk to guys about guy problems. They just... punch each other on the shoulder.

Ellie: That's stupid!

Manny: To a girl! To a guy that's, like, six months of therapy!

“No, no, no, you’re taking this the wrong way!”

“Face it Sid. We had a great run, but now it’s time to move on.”

Fortress of solitude

Night at the Museum

Teddy Roosevelt (Robin William): Some men are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them. For you, this is the very moment.

Teddy Roosevelt: The more you know about the past, the better you are prepared for the future.

Gilbert and Sullivan Opera: The Mikado

“Life is a joke that’s just began.”