X23 Ltd Researcher
Question
Asked 8th Dec, 2014
Are there any new visual metaphors for representation in home/personal computers/devices?
Apart from some (in my opinion, overrated) changes, especially in the gestural dimension, we have the same metaphor of representation since over 25 years.
One could say that we had a unique ancient dichotomy, between the metaphor of written text (lines of code) and objects in a limited space (dashboards).
The recent horizon is a fusion of the two: augmented realities are barely a bunch of other text, overlayed to other objects, around an item of text, or a primitive object, better described.
The devices continue to offer the same thing: whether smartphones or yota-smartphones, glasses or other sensors, the represented metaphor is always a dashboard similar to the avionic equipments. We're still following the same idea that engineers and creatives had at the middle of the last century.
Incidentally, I was excited with the idea of Second Life and the so-called meta-worlds. Sure, it was a replication of the real world: but what was fascinating was the density of possibilities, without the limits of physics. The metaphors could grow up without limit. Why didn't we like that unlimited space?
Why did we go back to the convenient dashboard of objects, desktops, libraries and widgets, all suspended (and we too) within a trivial box?
Most recent answer
David,
the suggestion given by MMB some comments above could be considered consistent with the yours. I'm going to past the introductory text of Phantom Terrains project —just an example from which everyone can deduce how "digital signage" is about to become pervasive — if not fully embodied — in our individual and collective life:
- Streams of wireless data surge from internet exchanges and cellphone relays, flowing from routers to our devices and back again. This saturation of data has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, yet it is completely invisible to us. What would it mean to develop an additional sense which makes us continuously attuned to the invisible data topographies that pervade the city streets? Phantom Terrains is an experimental platform which aims to answer this question by translating the characteristics of wireless networks into sound. By streaming this signal to a pair of hearing aids, the listener is able to hear the changing landscapes of data that surround them. Network identifiers, data rates and encryption modes are translated into sonic parameters, with familiar networks becoming recognizable by their auditory representations. The project challenges the notion of assistive hearing technology as a prosthetic, re-imagining it as an enhancement that can surpass the ability of normal human hearing. By using an audio interface to communicate data feeds rather than a visual one, Phantom Terrains explores hearing as a platform for augmented reality that can immerse us in continuous, dynamic streams of data.
[source: Phantom Terrains, www.phantomterrains.com]
We should explore:
- How the collective body could support the weight of so much intensive amount of signals
- How stressful could be its dependent metaphors
- What is our system fitness limit
- Linking to Ans Shapendonks' studies, how we will be inclined to accept non-standardized models and retrieved contents from those big streams of signals, thus determining methaphors growth / enrichment, or semiotic / evolution pauperization.
At present time, while our engineering capability to manage information/signals is growing, the tendence is to reduce puculiarities and focus on a reduct number of methaphors and semiotic signs. Why?
—g
1 Recommendation
Popular answers (1)
Surrey Schools
I think sometimes we go back to the more conventional forms (tree metaphor, meshing gears etc.) for the sake of convenience and simplicity. The success of a visual or textual metaphor is also dependent on cultural variables, which may considerable differ in their interpretation of symbols when that symbol bears a very imaginative and interesting correlation with the actual object or feature. This might work well for a niche audience or for someone who values creative conceptualizations and is willing to break free from existing conditioned responses.
It always helps to keep an open mind and an observant eye. This visual metaphor, for example, (nothing to do with computers/ devices) is probably used for global warming campaigns, but a closer look also shows a side face turning away from us (on the right). It is fairly interesting and novel, and fairly universal too, through our common knowledge of desserts and ice creams.
10 Recommendations
All Answers (18)
United Arab Emirates University
The following article entitled: "Text vs visual metaphor in mobile interfaces for novice user interaction" by Chrysoula GATSOU, , Anastasios POLITIS, and Dimitrios ZEVGOLIS is discusses and explores the effectiveness, efficiency and ease of use of two alternative interface interactions in a mobile tablet application. More specifically,
the study employs a navigation task which novice users were required to complete
by means of two types of main menu button, one utilizing text and the other
utilizing a visual metaphor. Furthermore, little evidence exists on the effect of the
use of metaphor on users of various ages and levels of computer experience. Our
results show that young users prefer buttons that display a visual metaphor in the
form of an icon, in contrast to older participants, who preferred the button that
employed text. They also show that the users’ performance is dependent upon age.
See the full article at the link:
7 Recommendations
Applied Science Private University
Dear Giuseppe,
Although the question is not in my domain, but I am interested in it. I am here to learn.
3 Recommendations
Surrey Schools
I think sometimes we go back to the more conventional forms (tree metaphor, meshing gears etc.) for the sake of convenience and simplicity. The success of a visual or textual metaphor is also dependent on cultural variables, which may considerable differ in their interpretation of symbols when that symbol bears a very imaginative and interesting correlation with the actual object or feature. This might work well for a niche audience or for someone who values creative conceptualizations and is willing to break free from existing conditioned responses.
It always helps to keep an open mind and an observant eye. This visual metaphor, for example, (nothing to do with computers/ devices) is probably used for global warming campaigns, but a closer look also shows a side face turning away from us (on the right). It is fairly interesting and novel, and fairly universal too, through our common knowledge of desserts and ice creams.
10 Recommendations
United Nations University (UNU)
Interesting topic, as I am trying to contemplate on this, I could link to the concepts of parallel universe (Hugh Everett, 1954) and the related Many Worlds Theory, where the concept that perceptions differ, change, vary and evolve is a dominant reality.
3 Recommendations
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
There is the concept of mobility via wifi and Bluetooth devices, but indeed the whole game is in front of a console... Interesting question...
3 Recommendations
When we invented the graphical interface of the computer, we went back to the oldest of the space definitions: the window, in which anything goes, but that can be replicated many times. But always within the other windows. The window is the point of transition between inside and outside, between what we are and what we only see but do'nt touch.
1 Recommendation
X23 Ltd Researcher
Let's be honest. We like curls and swirls, but we prefer to live in messy squared boxes. Scrolling is the scroll of drawers and lifts. And the so-called responsive design is only a sliding wheelchair between a stove and another.
—g
1 Recommendation
George Mason University
The Founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs and others, advocate not allowing children to use smart phones, lap tops, androids and other distractions until they are nature enough to have mastered critical thinking, reading, writing and applied mathematics. I have posted his view on my Face Book page. We are encouraging our own younger children to not enroll in our public schools until they have a good basic educational grounding.
5 Recommendations
X23 Ltd Researcher
David,
although I was almost informed about the situation, the content in your attached file astonished me one more time. With 25 years designing metaphors, codes and encrypts, I can confirm that users are increasing their asking for "simplicity", but misleading its deep sense.
—g
3 Recommendations
George Mason University
Here is another thought. In the ubiquitous environment of automotive, air and space navigation you certainly want the visual and voice metaphor instead of text! You also need to consider the age of the user. I still agree with Steve Jobs and others who are rejecting the text metaphor for their young children, with the exception of course of class rooms education.
5 Recommendations
George Mason University
Yes, Filippo, I use these myself and also use them during transportation and travel. Are you familiar with the latest Garmin, Inc. technology?
1 Recommendation
George Mason University
- Related Question. Has anyone explored the correlation between what we are discussing here and international 'signage' as it applies to traffic, entries, menus, and other social domains? That would be interesting and important.
2 Recommendations
X23 Ltd Researcher
David,
the suggestion given by MMB some comments above could be considered consistent with the yours. I'm going to past the introductory text of Phantom Terrains project —just an example from which everyone can deduce how "digital signage" is about to become pervasive — if not fully embodied — in our individual and collective life:
- Streams of wireless data surge from internet exchanges and cellphone relays, flowing from routers to our devices and back again. This saturation of data has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, yet it is completely invisible to us. What would it mean to develop an additional sense which makes us continuously attuned to the invisible data topographies that pervade the city streets? Phantom Terrains is an experimental platform which aims to answer this question by translating the characteristics of wireless networks into sound. By streaming this signal to a pair of hearing aids, the listener is able to hear the changing landscapes of data that surround them. Network identifiers, data rates and encryption modes are translated into sonic parameters, with familiar networks becoming recognizable by their auditory representations. The project challenges the notion of assistive hearing technology as a prosthetic, re-imagining it as an enhancement that can surpass the ability of normal human hearing. By using an audio interface to communicate data feeds rather than a visual one, Phantom Terrains explores hearing as a platform for augmented reality that can immerse us in continuous, dynamic streams of data.
[source: Phantom Terrains, www.phantomterrains.com]
We should explore:
- How the collective body could support the weight of so much intensive amount of signals
- How stressful could be its dependent metaphors
- What is our system fitness limit
- Linking to Ans Shapendonks' studies, how we will be inclined to accept non-standardized models and retrieved contents from those big streams of signals, thus determining methaphors growth / enrichment, or semiotic / evolution pauperization.
At present time, while our engineering capability to manage information/signals is growing, the tendence is to reduce puculiarities and focus on a reduct number of methaphors and semiotic signs. Why?
—g
1 Recommendation
Similar questions and discussions
What is your experience/opinion/reference regarding the use of virtual worlds in education, especially combined with VLEs/LMSs, such as Sloodle?
+Virtual worlds [1] can be defined as interactive 3D virtual environments, where the users take the form of visible avatars. They can support collaborative education.
What is more, they can be used with VLEs/LMSs, as in the case of the Sloodle project, aiming to combine Second Life with moodle, that is two of the mostly used environments in the realms of virtual worlds & VLEs/LMSs respectively.
Please share your experience, direct or indirect, or opinion, e.g. advantages, disadvantages, predictions, or interesting references, with respect to the above.
Please share with us a) your experience, direct or indirect providing any results, or b) opinion, e.g. advantages, disadvantages, comparisons, propositions, predictions, or c) interesting references, with respect to the above three perspectives.
You may consult [2].
Thank you.
[ Featured references:
3. http://eprints.usq.edu.au/21389/ (Lindy)
]
Related Publications
The article examines the mutually constituted relations among avatars, space, and artifacts represented in a Gorean community in Second Life. Combining virtual ethnography (i.e., participant observations and in-depth interviews) with the growingly important concept of experience design in human—computer interaction, the authors explore and unpack t...
Virtual worlds e.g., Second Life, where users interact and form relationships with other users' virtual identities represented by avatars i.e., human-avatar relationships, are increasingly influential in today's businesses and society. Nevertheless, the sustainability and impact of virtual worlds depend largely on the closeness of human-avatar rela...
Virtual worlds such as Second Life are closed environments that are purposely isolated from the real world and, in particular, from the data and information space provided by the World Wide Web. There is a rising need, however, tocommunicate and exchange data between virtual environments and the outside world, both for commercial applications andfo...