Mapping and Metaphors in User Interface Design

Key Concepts

• Mapping
• Metaphors

Mapping

Mapping in user interface design refers to the relationship between the controls of a system and their effects in the user interface. A good mapping ensures that the user can easily predict how their actions will result in changes on the screen. This principle is crucial for creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.

Example: In a music player application, the play/pause button is typically placed at the center of the control panel, with the forward and backward buttons on either side. This spatial arrangement mimics the physical layout of a traditional music player, making it intuitive for users to understand and use.

Metaphors

Metaphors in user interface design involve using familiar concepts or objects from the real world to represent abstract functions or ideas in the digital interface. Metaphors help users quickly understand and interact with the interface by leveraging their existing knowledge and experiences.

Example: The concept of a "desktop" in a computer operating system is a metaphor for a physical desk. Files and folders on the desktop are represented as icons, similar to how documents and folders are organized on a real desk. This metaphor helps users understand how to manage and organize their digital files.

Examples and Analogies

Consider a mapping example where a thermostat interface uses a circular dial to control temperature. The dial's position directly correlates with the temperature setting, with clockwise rotation increasing the temperature and counterclockwise rotation decreasing it. This mapping is intuitive because it mimics the physical action of turning a dial to adjust settings.

In terms of metaphors, think of a "trash can" icon on a computer screen. This icon represents the function of deleting files, drawing a parallel to the physical action of throwing away unwanted items in a trash can. Users immediately understand that dragging a file to the trash can icon will delete it, thanks to this familiar metaphor.

Conclusion

Mapping and metaphors are essential tools in user interface design. Mapping ensures that the relationship between user actions and interface effects is intuitive, while metaphors help users understand abstract functions by relating them to familiar concepts. By effectively using these principles, designers can create interfaces that are both easy to use and understand.