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@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_diagr...
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@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 _______________________________________________ The Air-L@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
-- ~~~~~ Sam Ladner, PhD Sociologist Toronto _______________________________________________ The Air-L@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
-- Gordon Carlson C: 541-990-1155