I'd like to get some feedback on the use of metaphors in UI design.

My gut feeling consistently tells me to avoid the use of metaphors for a
couple reasons. For one, there are challenges  communicating metaphors
across different cultures. If that wasn't enough, the fact that the web is a
non-linear environment and designers never have any real control over where
a user might enter the site poses problems. In other words, if a user enters
the site in the middle of some design metaphor, are they going to get it? I
do realize there are different types of metaphors (visual, functional,
etc...) but I'm having trouble finding value.

From a planning perspective, I think metaphors might only be assisting the
information architect/designer so I guess I'm questioning whether there is
real end-user benefit.

Happy new year to all...

jonathan

------------------------------------------------
Jonathan Segal
Intrasphere Technologies
tel - 212.937.8288
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