3. Main metaphors

Direct designation interfaces use metaphors to guide dialogue. Their role is to reduce the articulatory distance perceived by the user. The expression of actions uses conventions that "evoke" actions that the user is used to doing. For this reason, the metaphor of direct designation is often referred to as the metaphor of the real world, because of the metaphors it enables.

The best-known metaphors are :

• the 3.1 office;

• the garbage can