Due to its boundless nature, electronic mail nearly replaced traditional mail entirely. However, there''s a gap between E-mail and traditional mail that prevents one from applying his/her past experiences to the E-mail. The latest breed of Windows developing tools provides programmers with easy-to-implement interface elements. However, as shown in this study, only by taking people''s needs into consideration, can we build a truly useful product.

The goal of this research was to develop a model of E-mail usage and create a list of design issues. The different stages of development were fully documented, including interviewing, analysis, setup of scenario and metaphor and prototype building for the reference of future interface designers.

The methodology: A literature survey was taken at first to investigate the ideas and theories of interface design. Then the research observed and interviewed a number of E-mail users. By using card sorting method to group users’ opinions, the research created a "behavior model of E-mail usage" and a "model of behavior change of the physical-to-virtual migration." These two models let us explore the relationship between a user and the E-mail. It also raised three critical issues:

1. The difference between old and new systems;

2. The need to bridge users of different abilities; and

3. The need to provide different environments to different kinds of letters.

This research used scenario method as a guide. In scenario development, the research created the new design''s framework and details. In metaphor development, the research found two useful ideas: merry-go-round and mix-and-match book that helped us to develop the environment switching menu and user preference interface. During prototype building, the research used Macromedia Flash 5.0 as tool, merry-go-round and mix-and-match book as the interface metaphors to create a model of the new E-mail interface. In the end, this design was evaluated for future reference.