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What comes after flat design?
The evolution of skeuomorphism to flat.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital design space, user experience has seen significant transformations, with design philosophies adapting to technological advancements and shifting user expectations. Among the most notable shifts in UX design history is the transition from skeuomorphism to flat design. This evolution not only reflects changes in aesthetic preferences but also embodies deeper shifts in how we interact with technology.
What is Skeuomorphism?
Skeuomorphism, a design philosophy that dominated the early 2000s, is characterized by its lifelike representation of physical objects in digital interfaces. This design approach relies on familiar visual cues from the physical world to make digital interfaces more intuitive for users. Don Norman describes skeuomorphism in terms of cultural constraints: interactions with a system that are learned only through culture. Norman also coined and popularized perceived affordances, where the user can tell what an object provides or does based on its appearance, which skeuomorphism makes easy.
Elements such as buttons, icons, and textures mimic their real-world counterparts, creating an immediate sense of familiarity and comfort.
