Selecting Metaphoric Terminology for the Computer Industry

Abstract

Well-selected metaphoric terminology can reduce the fear and ignorance that often dishearten first-time computer users and can help them grasp new concepts and procedures. Many people are amused by terms such as bit, byte, and mouse and are enlightened by terms such as menu and wild card. Some users of computers, however, are offended by the metaphoric terminology that is commonly used in writing about computers and computing. They bridle at words like memory and intelligence applied to computing machinery. They are annoyed by casual uses of interface and parameter or puzzled by words like spool, boot, and argument. With the concept of usability as their guiding principle, writers in the computer industry can assess the appropriateness of metaphoric terminology by applying seven criteria: 1) Is a metaphoric term needed? 2) Is the old word familiar? 3) Is the metaphoric relation close? 4) Is the usage of the word consistent? 5) Is the metaphoric word brief? 6) Is the metaphoric usage acceptable? 7) Is the metaphoric word memorable?