What type of model directly relates to how a user perceives their interaction with a system?

The correct response is based on the significance of conceptual models in user experience design. A conceptual model is essentially the mental representation that users create to understand how a system works. It is crafted based on the user’s knowledge, expectations, and experiences with similar systems.

When users interact with a system, they rely on this mental model to interpret the system's functions and predict outcomes of their actions. This understanding directly influences how they perceive their interactions. If the conceptual model aligns well with the actual functionality of the system, it results in a smoother and more intuitive experience for the user. Conversely, if there is a disconnect, it can lead to confusion and frustration.

The other options, while relevant to interaction design, do not encapsulate the user’s perception of interaction as directly as conceptual models do. For instance, mapping refers to the relationship between controls and their effects in the system, feedback pertains to the information users receive as a reaction to their actions, and constraints are limitations that guide user behavior. While these elements contribute to the overall interaction experience, they do not solely define how a user perceives that experience in the same way conceptual models do.