The predominant UI paradigm seems to be mimicking mechanical or electromechanical tools. Word processors pretend to be an extended typewriter, simulating ink on paper. Web browsers - something between an electronic newsletter and a TV. Messengers - an easy to use telegraph.

The use of computers as flexible information processing machines, that could be instructed to peform interesting stuff for you in semi-automatic way, remains sort of beyond the definition of normal for no reason.