Blog Two: 1/27/2019
Interface Metaphors are frequently used to describe an abstract technological concept in a way that creates a familiar understanding of its purpose and function among its new user “More specifically, an interface metaphor is one that is instantiated in some way as part of the user interface: for example, the desktop metaphor” (Preece, Rogers & Sharp, 2015, p. 44).
Reflection
| 1. The idea of using metaphors when describing a new graphical interface can be helpful when introducing an abstract concept. With the anxiety that can come from using new technology, creating a familiar concept for users to refer to can help the user feel more comfortable as they adjust to the interface. 2. When Douglas Engelbart of PARC discussed “The first GUI developed by researchers at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) in the ‘70s. This research opened a whole new era of computer graphic innovations” (Operating System Interface Design Between 1981-2009). Researchers at PARC understood that in releasing this new interface, it was pertinent to make its purpose very easy to comprehend and used the metaphor of an office desktop as something the user was familiar with to bridge the gap of the unknown desktop environment. Components of this metaphor included references to files, folders, and even a recycling bin that all had similar functions within the interface that they would have in real life. 3. The desktop metaphor creates an excellent visual of what the user sees when they open various applications on their computer. Some of the cornerstones of a modern desktop home screen include a clock, information on the weather, email icons, and a file folder icon that the user can open to access all of the images and documents on their computer. |
My Thought
“On reading Chapter 2: Understanding and Conceptualizing Interaction, I found that the use of interface metaphors serve as meaningful resources to users when addressing a new technology. Often it is hard to envision an abstract concept until it is put into information that brings meaning and understanding to the user. Similar to when someone describes something using the phrase “In other words…”, this can be essential in bringing clarity to a user especially when they need more of a visual for comprehension.” (Ingrid Bright, 2019)
Reference List
- Preece, Rogers & Sharp, (2015). Interaction and Design: Beyond human-computer interaction. West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Group, N. N. (n.d.). The Anti-Mac User Interface [Cartoon]. In Nielsen Norman Group.
- W. S. (2018, February 07). Operating System Interface Design Between 1981-2009. Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/03/operating-system-interface-design-between-1981-2009/
Ingrid Bright 