What are the advantages and disadvantages of a metaphor-based organizational scheme? Use Figure 3 from this chapter as an example.

What will be an ideal response?

An advantage of metaphor-driven schemes is that they can save time. Such schemes capitalize on a user’s previous experience with the familiar to help them navigate a site. However, the use of a metaphor to organize content can be extremely limiting because it cannot accommodate functionality or concepts that aren’t present in the original metaphor. In Figure 3, the “Tune Up”, “GIF lube” and “Hitometer” links fit nicely with the idea of maintaining a web site in the way that one might maintain a car. However, the “Instant Product Showcase” and “Earn $$$ with Netscape Now” don’t fit the maintenance metaphor.