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- Skeuomorphic vs. Flat Design: Is Skeumorphism Revived? [2023]
You might have heard about skeuomorphism and might have Googled the word as well. Surprisingly, it is ones of the most Googled word here. If you are too here in search of it, then the following article is for you.
It covers all about the UX design models, specifically Skeuomorphic and flat designs. So do give it a read!
Commonly, you might have come across the word in the design of a graphical user interface. Skeuomorphism originates from the Greek word “Skeuos,” meaning tool, and “morphê,” meaning a shape. In the 1980s, it was used in art and architecture to describe ornamental representations of different items that resembled the real world, for instance, an engraved painting.
In present times, the term describes the objects you see in the interface, which looks like their real-world counterparts in their appearance and interaction. The skeuomorphic meaning the three-dimensional skeuomorphic icons that appear on the apps were initially generated by Apple when Steven Jobs announced getting rid of traditional apple flat designs and replacing them with new, attractive, and real ones. The flat app icons were given a 3D effect that makes them a physical representation of the objects on the screen. Today, skeuomorphic interface design is found in different fields and other sites to attract users and offer them real feels.
There are multiple skeuomorphic design examples and comparisons to non-skeuomorphic designs that you may find.
Looking for an example of skeuomorphism? Find the best skeuomorphism design along with comparisons below to understand the concept better:
An app’s skeuomorphic style shows an image of a sandwich that seems natural to the users.
The example is an example of modern skeuomorphism, which shows the evolution of bins icon over time.
The following image is the logo of one of the famous skeuomorphic apps dealing with notes.
The example exhibits apple skeuomorphism and compares the flat safari app of apple and a skeuomorphism app.
One of the best examples of skeuomorphic buttons is the image below. It shows a comparison where the off switch is a flat UX design whereas a skeuomorphic button.
Flat design UI UX is a popular form of user interface design in modern times.
Typically, it consists of two-dimensional elements that have vibrant colors, minimal texture, and simple shapes. Usually, such flat UI designs are seemingly too attractive, crisp, and clear for an eye due to a lack of 3D effects.
Factually, it has been grabbing the attention of digital art since the release of Windows 8 and Apple iOS 7 in 2011 with windows flat design. Initially, the purpose of creating a flat UX design was to develop a responsive mobile design with less visual noise, faster websites, and an optimal user experience. It was Apple that initiated the trend of flat UI design icons in 2013 by flattening their homepage, and from them, the trend has been unstoppable. However, some backlash was faced by skeuomorphic interface design with the slogan bring back skeuomorphism, which Apple dealt with efficiently. Nonetheless, considering the shift to more 3D designs, the question arises, “Is skeuomorphism coming back?”
Given below are some of the top-notch examples of flat UI designs:
The image below is a flat UI design of a bulb with vibrant colors and a simple interface.
The following image shows a comparison between a skeuomorphic UI design and a flat UI design. The right one is the modern logo for the camera app.
The famous Starbucks has also incorporated flat design UI components in its logo, as shown below:
The picture below compares the old Instagram logo, a skeuomorphism icon, and the new icon made up of a flat mobile design.
The very famous Microsoft has stuck to its flat design for years with some of the most appealing colors and minimalist design as depicted below:
Although you must have been familiar with skeuomorphism web design and flat UX design, the term Material Design would not be something you would have heard before. So what is material design, and how does that matter to you?
Simply, it is a unique system created by Google to assist people in designing interfaces of top- notch quality with excellent user experiences. The design system enables users to create some exceptional designs for the web, Android. iOS and even Flutter. The features the designs language offers are matchless and realistic with animations, lighting effects, motions, and even three-dimensional effects. The primary inspiration behind adopting such a design in 2014, back when skeuomorphism UI design was popular, was the physical world consisting of paper and ink. However, the elements are flat, like in flat UI design but with an authentic feel.
Some examples of material design are as follows:
Now that you are aware of different UX design models that have been used in the designing world, along with examples, it is significant for you to know where each of the UI design models stands. Therefore, below, under the heading of each UI design model, you will find its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
There can never be one answer that fits all when deciding the best UX model for your site. The answer varies from business to business. For instance, if you are a brand that sells games, a material design would be a great choice as it offers some appealing animations. Conversely, if you are an owner of an app that requires more interaction, say a messaging app, then a flat design mobile app would be an excellent idea. However, if you want to give a more authentic feel to the users, then skeuomorphic interfaces would work for you.
All in all, consider the targets, objectives, products/ services, and target audience of your brand and then decide the UX design model.
Undoubtedly, previously, the design world was dominated by skeuomorphism windows, apps, icons, etc. However, in between, the trend shifted to flat designs, but now seemingly skeuomorphic plans are likely to make a comeback. Irrespective of the UX design model you choose, go for the one that can accommodate innovations.