Taking the Desktop Metaphor to the Web…???

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Hi…

 

I just saw an article on WebOSes. To give a short definition:

Browser based “OS” which provides basic OS functionality as reading/writing data to a simulated file system, allows multiple windows on the screen and such alike.

First I was really impressed. Then I thought a bit longer … ;-)

What this does is taking the desktop metaphor to the web. The idea of icons and windows, menus and such alike. To be honest this is – while being invented ages ago by Xerox in PARC – the default metaphor of today. There are others which haven’t been successful in the past and others which have their niche (typical example are telling machines).

Certainly it is easy to swallow to transport what we already have to web. Users are more likely to adopt and accept. But is THIS the web it ought be??

While the desktop metaphor has its advantages (otherwise why is today’s dominant metaphor) it is quite old. The time Xerox invented it nearly no computer was equipped to deliver the desktop metaphor. Xerox invented a comprehensive device – IBM called it a serial pointing device in its PS/2 handbook others call it the mouse – to make it accessible.

Today we are even deeper in natural user interfaces (something the web is not really equipped for). But new technologies also changed the way we work and interact with computers anyway. Take the idea of a folder or directory. In the real physical world you can sort things for easy access or you can pile up everything just as I do on my desk. If you need something search for it. At least you know that there is only one pile to search through… In the physical world the size of the pile is somewhat limited. Take the library of the university next to your home. All books on one stack…not worky.

Different in the digital world. Since the dawn of search engines I stopped using folders. Instead I throw anything in one folder and use search to find what I need.

While this not necessarily lead out of the desktop metaphor other things might. And I simply refuse limiting my thoughts to this metaphor. Maybe you too…

CU

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