Other Useful Metaphors
1. Phone systems
Defines an infrastructure for users to call each other and talk.
- doesn’t dictate who you call; doesn’t dictate what you say
- supports services not imagined by creators, e.g., 900 numbers
2. Government
Sets rules and balances demands from a diverse community.
Users/subjects want high levels of service with low taxes.
3. Transportation
Wide range of choices for a wide range of user goals and needs.
- race car: simple interface to powerful technology…goes fast…crashes hard.
- cadillac: makes choices automatically…comfortable…no fun to drive.
- SUV: runs on any terrain…rolls over bumps in the road…burns gas…but gas is cheap.