Q: Most common WIMP arrangements work on the basis of a desktop metaphor, in whi
ID: 3707744 • Letter: Q
Question
Q: Most common WIMP arrangements work on the basis of a desktop metaphor, in which common actions are likened to similar actions in the real world. For example, moving a file is achieved by selecting it and dragging it into a relevant folder or filing cabinet. The advantage of using a metaphor is that the user can identify with the environment presented on the screen. Having a metaphor allows users to predict the outcome of their actions more easily. Note that the metaphor can break down, however. What is the real-world equivalent of formatting a disk? Is there a direct analogy for the concept of ‘undo’? Provide at least 3 examples from the desktop icons.
Explanation / Answer
The format icon on windows consist of an image of hard disk with a broom, this explains a lot about the work it is allotted to do, that is cleaning the disk. We often see, in a commercial place, example McDonald's or any mall, if the workers are mopping the floor they keep a sign near that area, the sign indicating a person doing mopping action or simply a cleaning broom, we can simply make the analogy of cleaning the forfl with cleaning the disk as they both essentially do the same thing, that is, making the desired object empty/clean, so as to write/dirty it again.
Similarly, we can match the analogy of this icon with the action of wiping clean a blackboard with a duster.
Another icon used is a disk with a red arrow pointing to its tail, which can be clearly seen as a Symbol of going back/reverting, which we can commonly associate with, going back in time or anti-clockwise action. Which is essentially what formatting does to the disk, that is, reverting back to a previous State, here, of being absolutely new-like.
Similarly, we see that the icon for Undo action is a half arrow pointing to its tail in counter clockwise direction. This can be again seen as going back in time or reverting to a previous State. Though a direct analogy to this is not possible, we can see this near us like, when we go in a wrong lane, we make a turnaround, the turnaround sign looks more or less like this. Also, we almost associate right as a direction of forward moving and left as a direction of going back, the Undo arrow points left, indicating that we go back from where we came, which is essentially, its job.
Also, the symbol resembles what a person looks like when jumping backwards if he took a jump in wingw direction.
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