The Desktop Metaphor

Metaphors have a powerful role to play in helping us make sense of our world. According to Gerald Zaltman, “they help us see new connections, interpret our experiences, and draw meaning from those experiences.” [1] He points out that we use almost six metaphors per minute of spoken language. Just as they permeate everyday life, so metaphors also permeate human-computer interfaces.

Metaphors are the representation of one thing in terms of another. Complex user interfaces can be more easily understood if they are depicted in terms of some commonplace system that users are familiar with. Like the humble desktop metaphor, which is the “single most important design decision of the last half century.” [2] Read more »