This article, written in 1996 by Don Gentner and Jakob Nielsen is a fascinating, if slightly-dated, read. It discusses the use of metaphors in GUIs, such as a desk with “real-life” objects on it that have purpose for the user.
For the most part, these types of interfaces have gone away — a classic example is Apple’s eWorld. But several iPad developers are tinkering with them once again, including Apple in the Calendar and Contact apps, which look like a real calendar and address book. It’s funny how things cycle back around.
