Dead-until-touched: How digital icons can transform the way we interact with information

Abstract

This paper challenges the way we currently use and interact with information through digital icons and static metaphors. The latest computer and mobile devices' graphical user interfaces need to be reevaluated in order to support the paradigm shift from static and local to mobile and cloud-based interactions. Furthermore this paper questions the lingering of static icons used in computers, mobile and tablet interfaces. The paper also presents concrete suggestions on how expanding the functionality of digital icons can better afford how users interact with information. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.