PaperAsInterfaceMetaphor

Last edit August 10, 2009
Why is it that all GraphicalUserInterfaces seem to be based on idea that software should resemble paper?

Pro:

Con:

  • Functionality that is not part of paper injures the metaphor severely, and it usually shows.

TedNelson often rails against the WorldWideWeb just being a bad simulation of paper, when he feels his XanaduProject had much more to offer.


CategoryMetaphor
Because the light text on dark background standard of earlier pre-GUI software doesn't feel like staring into a lightbulb for hours on end. It's a conspiracy by eyedoctors and eyeglass salesmen.