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This paper describes a prototypical desktop metaphor called Desktop Plus+, a spatial metaphor that incorporates spatial organization of data, 'piles' [9], radar views, and dynamic querying [14]. The spatial information arrangement allows users to organize information easily and special filters supports easy searching and retrieval of desired data. Desktop Plus+ is a proposed solution to the drawbacks found in the Window's hierarchical file structure in terms of data management. This paper describes an iterative design approach that begins by examining the weaknesses of the Windows desktop and its hierarchical file system and then moves on to design and test a spatial metaphor for data management, Desktop Plus+ in order to examine the strengths and advantages of this alternative metaphor.