IBM RealThings is a
software interface
In computing, an interface is a shared boundary across which two or more separate components of a computer system exchange information. The exchange can be between software, computer hardware, peripheral devices, humans, and combinations of thes ...
design methodology proposed by IBM in 1998. Instead of using traditional computer-based elements, RealThings proposes that images of physical real-life objects are used instead. This was aimed to be more "natural and intuitive, allowing users to focus more on their tasks and less on computer artefacts".
As a demonstration IBM created RealPhone, RealCD and RealBook.
There were some indications that the examples chosen did not faithfully represent things in real life.
See also
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Microsoft Bob
Microsoft Bob is a Microsoft software product intended to provide a more user-friendly interface for the Windows 3.1x, Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems, supplanting the Windows Program Manager. The program was released on March 11, 1 ...
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Skeuomorph
A skeuomorph (also spelled skiamorph, ) is a derivative object that retains ornamental design cues (attributes) from structures that were necessary in the original. Skeuomorphs are typically used to make something new feel familiar in an effort t ...
References
IBM software
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