Measuring The Development Of Shared Mental Models In Product Design Teams

In this paper, the concept of shared mental models is proposed to investigate cognitive processes that influence team performance of design teams. Based on this proposal a measurement technique that uses categorisation is described for assessing mental models in design teams in an experimental setting. An overview of commonly used methods and the rationale behind the proposed method is provided. The categorization scheme that is used to assess the development of mental models as processes that underlie design in a team is elaborated.