Using Graphics to Help Users Build Mental Models
http://www.stc.org/confproceed/1995/PDFs/PG345348.PDF

Elser, Arthur G.
STC Proceedings
1995

Abstract:

Research shows that adults learn more efficiently when they have formed an accurate mental model of the product they are trying to use. We can help our users form accurate mental models more quickly by graphically depicting that model on the interface. One product using that approach allowed engineers to become productive with no reference to user documentation.