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Human processor model
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<p>Human processor model or MHP (Model Human Processor) is a cognitive modeling method developed by <a href="/facts/Stuart_K._Card/21k9G4cs">Stuart K. Card</a>, <a href="/facts/Thomas_P._Moran/6XVnWSI3">Thomas P. Moran</a>, & <a href="/facts/Allen_Newell/61yUQ647">Allen Newell</a> (1983) used to calculate how long it takes to perform a certain task. Other cognitive modeling methods include parallel design, <a href="/facts/GOMS/zKWGQnMe">GOMS</a>, and <a href="/facts/Keystroke-level_model/C2YhryQj">keystroke-level model</a> (KLM). </p><p> Cognitive modeling is one way to evaluate the usability of a product. This method uses experimental times to calculate cognitive and motor processing time. The value of the human processor model is that it allows a system designer to predict the performance with respect to time it takes a person to complete a task without performing experiments. Other modeling methods include inspection methods, inquiry methods, prototyping methods, and testing methods. </p><p>The standard definition for MHP is: The MHP draws an analogy between the processing and storage areas of a computer, with the perceptual, motor, cognitive and memory areas of the computer user. </p><p>The human processor model uses the cognitive, perceptual, and motor processors along with the visual image, working memory, and long term memory storages. A diagram is shown below. Each processor has a cycle time and each memory has a decay time. These values are also included below. By following the connections diagrammed below, along with the associated cycle or decay times, the time it takes a user to perform a certain task can be calculated. Studies into this field were initially done by <a href="/facts/Stuart_K._Card/21k9G4cs">Stuart K. Card</a>, <a href="/facts/Thomas_P._Moran/6XVnWSI3">Thomas P. Moran</a>, & <a href="/facts/Allen_Newell/61yUQ647">Allen Newell</a> in 1983. Current studies in the field include work to distinguish process times in older adults by Tiffany Jastrembski and Neil Charness (2007). </p>