Coupling user and source domains in interface metaphors : a comparative analysis /
The interface metaphor is a common means to facilitate the interaction between a user and information technology (IT). Johnson (1997) defined the computer interface as ''software that shapes the interaction between user and computer'' and that ''serves as a kind of tran...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1999.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=730340431&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | The interface metaphor is a common means to facilitate the interaction between a user and information technology (IT). Johnson (1997) defined the computer interface as ''software that shapes the interaction between user and computer'' and that ''serves as a kind of translator, mediating between two parties, making one sensible to the other'' (p. 14). IT is grounded in an abstract, digital environment', using discrete one's and zero's to process data and communicate with other computers. This means of communication differs significantly with the computer user's analog world that is filled with three-dimensional images, sounds, etc. Although metaphorical interfaces are used extensively in user interface design, there is an increasing need to identify and develop more effective metaphors. This need arises from IT being utilized by a wide variety of users in a number of different domains. A large number of these user domains do not fit well with a traditional metaphorical interface (e.g., hypertext). Because metaphors are defined by a user's perception of objects in his/her environment (Lakoff and Johnson 1980), these varying domains will act as a catalyst when deriving potential interface metaphors. The purpose of this study was to explore the aforementioned issues. More specifically, this study examined the effect that different interface metaphors have on a user's ability to retain textual, graphical, and implicit information. Subjects were screened into two groups: strong mental model and weak mental model. Two interface types were presented to these subjects: a frame-oriented hypermedia interface metaphor and a domain-oriented interface metaphor. A laboratory setting was the method of study for the experiment. Results of the study found that the domain-oriented interface metaphor was more effective for retaining graphical and implicit information than the frame-oriented interface metaphor. However, the results did not demonstrate evidence that a significant difference existed with respect to retaining textual information. Finally, results suggest that future research can focus on how these types of interface metaphors affect the user's attitude or image of the business organization. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Information and Operations Management". |
| Physical Description: | x, 205 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 110-116). |