Metaphor

-Metaphors act as a place for interaction. They place images in a meaningful context, by presenting information in terms of an object (like a book), a location (like an office building), or a device (like a VCR) that people already use outside the computer environment.

-A metaphor can only work or make access to a product easier if the audience is familiar with it, and if it's a good conceptual fit for the content. Navigational metaphors can work in almost any information product. Metaphors value in helping people learn how to use a system is quite helpful and simple to understand. They are coherent and all of the element "go together" in natural ways (folders go with documents that go with desktops).


 * Types of Metaphors:**

//Navigational-// metaphors are more than complex multimedia programs or games. For example, user's might click instruments arranged in an on-screen doctor's office to get information about medical procedures. This is called a navigational metaphor as the doctor's office provides a familiar context to make the search for information less abstract.

//Functional-// creates an environment in which objects perform the functions they depict. For example, desktop metaphors on many computer interfaces have folders to file documents, trash cans are places to get rid of things, and an electronic address book holds names and addresses. They are interactive and found in software applications and high-end multimedia than in simple information products.


 * The Right Metaphor?**

-Does the metaphor create audience expectations you can't meet? -Is it appropriate for the content? -Does it help viewers understand what to do? -Are there any parts of the content that clearly won't fit the metaphor?

Metaphor Examples
 * __Helpful Illustrations:__**

[|http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~foreman/ITEC830/3_Issues/danielle/metaphor.html] http://www.baddesigns.com/mswebcnf.htm [|www.brockerhoff.net/Paper2000.pdf]
 * Helpful Websites:**

Laurel, Brenda. //Computers As Theatre.// New York, Reading, Mass: Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1991. Kristof, Ray. //Interactivity By Design: Creating & Communicating With New Media.// California: Adobe Press, 1995.
 * References:**