VIMM Model

VIMM Model for better usability

Purnima Rai
2 min readSep 7, 2021

What is VIMM Model ?

VIMM stands for Visual, Intellectual, Memory and Motor testing. These four simple concepts covered in the model, account for 80% of the usability issues.
The VIMM Model is a way to focus on how usable your product or website is for a user. It dives deep into understanding which aspect comes naturally to the user and what requires a decent amount of work or thought process from his end.

The end goal of using this model is to ‘reduce the load’ of the user in these four key areas. Let's break down the concept…

Visual load refers to visual elements in the designs which forces the user to put more effort in visually identifying the element. we can optimise visual comprehension following these instructions.

Do’s and Dont’s for Visual load
Do’s and Don’ts for Visual load

Intellectual Load refers to the extraneous thinking and decision-making done by the user due to poorly organised, inconsistent layout and functionality.

Do’s and Don’ts for Intellectual Load

Memory Load refers to the effort made by the user regarding the retention of the information which gets mapped in user short and long term memory when performing any task or understanding information.

Do’s and Don’ts for Memory Load

Motor Load refers to physical movements that are too difficult or too frequent and degrade the user experience.

Motor Load
Do’s and Don’ts for Motor Load

So there you have it. A clear, easy way to think about usability and addressing usability issues.

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Purnima Rai

Girl to the next door who is passionately curious about things