[peterhi]

The problem with mental models is that they are domain specific. My domain is sports data, solving problems is easy because I have 10 years of experience and a cookbook of models (can we say patterns) to apply to any given problem

Good mental models == Lots of experience

I suspect that the senior that interviewed you would be out of his depth if he moved into another domain. I definitely would. But then again having lots of experience helps you identify the patterns - sorry models - quicker and recognise the problems that you will need to guard against

"Building mental models" sounds like a deliberate cognitive act. To be honest it is more like recognising which part of an existing system would best fit the problem and what changes are need to be made to get a better fit

Which kinda makes it sound a lot less glamorous :)

Anyhow let me repeat:

Good mental models == Lots of experience

[bradleyankrom]

Just curious: which sport/industry are you working in?

[peterhi]

Data aggregation. Scores, stats and tv listings from multiple suppliers covering almost all sports worldwide. As B2B for people who don't want the hassle of doing it themselves