Important HCI metaphors
 

Interface metaphors evoke an initial mental model in users of the system's structure and operation. Metaphors should relate to users' past experiences and should be consistent.

• (Typewriter metaphor): Evoked easily due to physical similarities. Should be avoided
• Desktop metaphor: Once the most important metaphor, now slowly disappearing.
• Book metaphor: For hypertext, online catalogues (5.8MB)
  
• Filing cabinets
  • for online documentation, subdivisions in web offerings, system settings
  • orientation problems with tabs that have more than one level
    


• Office metaphor: For collections of documents
• Library metaphor: For large collections of documents
• Building metaphors , city metaphors, etc.: for virtual worlds
• Traffic metaphor
  
• Animated agent metaphor: for guidance, recommendation, persuasion
  
• Composite metaphors
  Combine 2 or more metaphors (like office, file cabinet and desktop)

The learning and retention of a system's functionality is considerably facilitated by meaningful and consistent metaphors. ☹