The Macintosh gave us “folders” sorted on a “desktop.” Microsoft introduced the metaphor of “windows” that you could peek through to see information. These skeuomorphic interfaces are sometimes criticized for being tacky, but in early computing they were key in providing what are known as affordances–silent prompts that taught new users where to go and what to do next inside the interface.
Virtual reality doesn’t have such a foundational metaphor at its core to get from one piece of content to another. Instead, a floating menu often just places you into rooms–a living room to watch Netflix, or an art gallery to peruse Google’s digital collection sourced from museums across the world. Once you’re inside it can be confusing, even difficult, to leave.
But what better navigational metaphor could there be for VR’s rooms and worlds than an actual door that you walk through?
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Source: CO.DESIGN