Approache to User Interface Usability Driven by Changing Mental Models: A Comparative Analysis of Boomers and Generation Z

Abstract

This paper explores generational differences in user mental models and their impact on user interface usability. The study compares behavioral patterns of Boomers and Generation Z through an experimental task using an interactive graphical tool based on the Chord Wheel Diagram. The application visualizes musical tones within a defined scale using a circular layout complemented by a simple chord progression process visualization. The task was designed to combine a familiar context with a cognitive challenge. Music provides a generally recognizable domain, while the visual representation encourages users to rely on their own reasoning and interaction strategies rather than prior theoretical knowledge. This approach enables observation of how users from different generations interact with visually structured systems. User interactions were observed during exploratory tasks focused on identifying tonal relationships and navigating harmonic structures within the interface. The results indicate noticeable differences in navigation preferences, visual orientation, and interaction behavior between the two groups. Boomers tended to prefer sequential exploration, explicit guidance, and stable navigation structures, while Generation Z users demonstrated more exploratory and visually adaptive interaction patterns. The study also highlights the importance of adaptive visual feedback and interaction simplicity when designing interfaces intended for cognitively diverse user groups. The findings suggest that usability is closely connected to users’ cognitive expectations and interaction habits. The paper discusses practical implications for designing more human-centered visual interfaces that better reflect generational diversity in user behavior.