What is "realthings"

IBM RealThings is a software interface 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.