You are here: Toolkit home » User capabilities » Framework » A model of product interaction

Any interaction with a product or service typically requires a cycle where the user

• Perceives
• Thinks
• Acts

Perceiving and acting both require sensory and motor capabilities. In addition, the body's sensory and motor resources are controlled by the brain and therefore require cognitive capability.

For example, perceiving text on a product can rely on the hands to move and orientate the product for visual examination or the eyes could guide the fingers to press particular buttons. However, for the most part, perceiving requires sensory capability, thinking requires cognitive capability, and acting requires motor capability.

The interaction between a product and the user’s capabilities is also influenced by the environment in which the product is used. For example, low, or indeed high, ambient light levels can compromise a user’s ability to read.