I think sometimes we go back to the more conventional forms (tree metaphor, meshing gears etc.) for the sake of convenience and simplicity. The success of a visual or textual metaphor is also dependent on cultural variables, which may considerable differ in their interpretation of symbols when that symbol bears a very imaginative and interesting correlation with the actual object or feature. This might work well for a niche audience or for someone who values creative conceptualizations and is willing to break free from existing conditioned responses. 

It always helps to keep an open mind and an observant eye. This visual metaphor, for example, (nothing to do with computers/ devices) is probably used for global warming campaigns, but a closer look also shows a side face turning away from us (on the right). It is fairly interesting and novel, and fairly universal too, through our common knowledge of desserts and ice creams.

The following article entitled: "Text vs visual metaphor in mobile interfaces for  novice user interaction" by Chrysoula GATSOU, , Anastasios POLITIS,  and Dimitrios ZEVGOLIS is discusses and  explores the effectiveness, efficiency and ease of use of two alternative interface interactions in a mobile tablet application. More specifically,

the study employs a navigation task which novice users were required to complete

by means of two types of main menu button, one utilizing text and the other

utilizing a visual metaphor. Furthermore, little evidence exists on the effect of the

use of metaphor on users of various ages and levels of computer experience. Our

results show that young users prefer buttons that display a visual metaphor in the

form of an icon, in contrast to older participants, who preferred the button that

employed text. They also show that the users’ performance is dependent upon age.

See the full article at the link:

http://elpub.scix.net/data/works/att/103_elpub2012.content.pdf

Dear Giuseppe,

Although the question is not in my domain, but I am interested in it. I am here to learn.

I think sometimes we go back to the more conventional forms (tree metaphor, meshing gears etc.) for the sake of convenience and simplicity. The success of a visual or textual metaphor is also dependent on cultural variables, which may considerable differ in their interpretation of symbols when that symbol bears a very imaginative and interesting correlation with the actual object or feature. This might work well for a niche audience or for someone who values creative conceptualizations and is willing to break free from existing conditioned responses. 

It always helps to keep an open mind and an observant eye. This visual metaphor, for example, (nothing to do with computers/ devices) is probably used for global warming campaigns, but a closer look also shows a side face turning away from us (on the right). It is fairly interesting and novel, and fairly universal too, through our common knowledge of desserts and ice creams.

Interesting topic, as I am trying to contemplate on this, I could link to the concepts of parallel universe (Hugh Everett, 1954) and the related Many Worlds Theory, where the concept that perceptions differ, change, vary and evolve is a dominant reality.  

There is the concept of mobility via wifi and Bluetooth devices, but indeed the whole game is in front of a console... Interesting question...

Is this simple?

—g

When we invented the graphical interface of the computer, we went back to the oldest of the space definitions: the window, in which anything goes, but that can be replicated many times. But always within the other windows. The window is the point of transition between inside and outside, between what we are and what we only see but do'nt touch.

Let's be honest. We like curls and swirls, but we prefer to live in messy squared boxes. Scrolling is the scroll of drawers and lifts. And the so-called responsive design is only a sliding wheelchair between a stove and another.

 —g

Another window point of view.

The Founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs and others, advocate not allowing children to use smart phones, lap tops, androids and other distractions until they are nature enough to have mastered critical thinking, reading, writing and applied mathematics. I have posted his view on my Face Book page.  We are encouraging our own younger children to not enroll in our public schools until they have a good basic educational grounding.

David, 

although I was almost informed about the situation, the content in your attached file astonished me one more time. With 25 years designing metaphors, codes and encrypts, I can confirm that users are increasing their asking for "simplicity", but misleading its deep sense.

—g

Check Phantom Terrains. Maybe novelties will come from specificities.

http://phantomterrains.com/

Here is another thought. In the ubiquitous environment of automotive, air and space navigation you certainly want the visual and voice metaphor instead of text! You also need to consider the age of the user. I still agree with Steve Jobs and others who are rejecting the text metaphor for their young children, with the exception of course of class rooms education.

Yes, Filippo, I use these myself and also use them during transportation and travel. Are you familiar with the latest Garmin, Inc. technology?

David,

the suggestion given by MMB some comments above could be considered consistent with the yours. I'm going to past the introductory text of Phantom Terrains project —just an example from which everyone can deduce how "digital signage" is about to become pervasive — if not fully embodied — in our individual and collective life:

• Streams of wireless data surge from internet exchanges and cellphone relays, flowing from routers to our devices and back again. This saturation of data has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, yet it is completely invisible to us. What would it mean to develop an additional sense which makes us continuously attuned to the invisible data topographies that pervade the city streets? Phantom Terrains is an experimental platform which aims to answer this question by translating the characteristics of wireless networks into sound. By streaming this signal to a pair of hearing aids, the listener is able to hear the changing landscapes of data that surround them. Network identifiers, data rates and encryption modes are translated into sonic parameters, with familiar networks becoming recognizable by their auditory representations. The project challenges the notion of assistive hearing technology as a prosthetic, re-imagining it as an enhancement that can surpass the ability of normal human hearing. By using an audio interface to communicate data feeds rather than a visual one, Phantom Terrains explores hearing as a platform for augmented reality that can immerse us in continuous, dynamic streams of data.

[source: Phantom Terrains, www.phantomterrains.com]

We should explore:

At present time, while our engineering capability to manage information/signals is growing, the tendence is to reduce puculiarities and focus on a reduct number of methaphors and semiotic signs. Why?

—g