[Air-L] Metaphors in Technology

[Gordon Carlson]

Perfect, thanks for the input.  I am compiling my list so as to
highlight dominant mental models employed in software.  Your link was
great.  Boxes and Arrows' Case Studies section looks really helpful.

Thanks a bunch,
Gordon

On Sun, Jun 8, 2008 at 3:17 PM, Sam Ladner <samladner at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Gordon,
>
> What a great topic! Another famous metaphor is the file folder / filing
> cabinet to indicate a files/server directories.
>
> You may know about the use of "mental models" or metaphors in Web
> interaction design. In my professional work, we use them frequently.
>
> check out:
> http://www.rosenfeldmedia.com/books/alignment/blog/moviegoer_alignment_diagram/
>
> there are tons and tons of mental models used on different web design
> projects. I'd search at Boxes and Arrows, an IA professional site, for even
> more examples. Further, there are great books on the topic of mental models
> for software and web design.
>
> Cheers,
> -s.
>
> On Sun, Jun 8, 2008 at 3:44 PM, Gordon Carlson <gordycarlson at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I am working on a project dealing with the use of metaphor in
>> communication about technology, as well as communication within
>> software.  I am trying to compile a list of metaphors used on the web
>> and in computer software.  For example, the "shopping cart" in online
>> shopping, PowerPoint using "slides", "dialog" boxes in operating
>> systems, "bulletin boards", etc.
>>
>> Have any of you come across or perhaps even thought of other metaphors
>> employed in software, online or off, or in communication about
>> technology?  I would like to make a giant list of examples.
>>
>> Also, any recommended readings would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks in advance for any help!
>>
>>
>>
>> -Gordon Carlson
>> -University of Illinois at Chicago
>> -PhD Student of New Media Communication and RA in Electronic Visualization
>> Lab
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>
>
>
> --
> ~~~~~
> Sam Ladner, PhD
> Sociologist
> Toronto
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-- 
Gordon Carlson
C: 541-990-1155