Semiotic Differences of Macintosh Os X & Microsoft Windows 7 Based on Metaphors and Interpretation

This study utilized the Souza´s semiotic engineering theory of HCI to user interface metaphors. The main aim of using Metaphors is the ability to determine the potential meaning in ongoing cognitive activities. The data were collected through the “Icon Recognition Test” and the interview questions. In addition, the users´ navigation through Mac and Win7 operating systems include certain categories of metaphors. The examination result indicated that 90% of the “structure metaphors” appeared for the desktop icons and some of the Power Point environment. The findings of the study indicated that Win7 and Mac users did not recognize their system metaphors, which reflects how users can transfer their skills and experience through and across the two platforms after one week of practice across the systems.