An interface metaphor is a conceptual model instantiated at the interaction interface. The interface should be designed
to be similar to physical entity, but which has its own properties, it could be based on an activity, object, or a combination of both.
They can be used in negative ways, for example:
- Can break conventional and cultural rules
- Can constrain designers in the way they conceptualise a problem space.
- Can conflict with design principles.
- Can force users to only understand a system in terms of a metaphor.
- Designers might inadvertently use bad existing designs and transfer them over to a new design.
- Limit designers potential in coming up with new conceptual models.
