Abstract
The interface metaphor is not a new concept. Although metaphors are used extensively in user interface design, there is an increasing need to identify and develop more effective metaphors. Information technology is being utilized by a wide variety of users in a number of different domains. A large number of these user domains do not fit well with a traditional metaphorical interface (e.g., desktop). Because metaphors are defined by a user’s perception of objects in his/her environment (Lakoff and Johnson, 1980), these varying domains will act as a catalyst when deriving potential interface metaphors. The research in this paper will address several important issues. How effective is a metaphorical interface that utilizes objects derived from the user domain? Does it improve user productivity, accuracy, and satisfaction? Are these interfaces more effective when presented to novice users? How do experienced or expert users respond to them?
Recommended Citation
Wells, John, "User Oriented Interface Metaphors: A Comparative Analysis" (1998). AMCIS 1998 Proceedings. 428.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis1998/428