Technology has seen a huge shift in design principles over the years. From skeuomorphism and flat design, to the recent material design, web and app design changes rapidly to reflect modern trends. Skeuomorphism, or the hyper-realistic and textured design that emulates real-world objects and materials, was once the go-to design standard. But with technological advancements and the increasing popularity of minimalist aesthetics, flat design has overtaken it. While skeuomorphism can be awkwardly outdated, flat design can sometimes be too plain and unconvincing. If so, then where is the middle ground? In this article, we will explore the differences between skeuomorphism and flat design, as well as some ideas to help you find a balance between the two.
Skeuomorphism: Emulating Real-World Objects
Skeuomorphism emerged as early as the 1970s, when computer professionals sought to create graphical user interfaces that mimicked real-world objects to make computing more accessible for the public. Thus, skeuomorphism found a permanent place in design, particularly in Apple products. Common elements of skeuomorphic design include simulate wood, paper, leather, glass, and other textures. It’s not unusual to see drop-shadows, gradients, and embossed elements, simulating the three-dimensional look and feel of real objects.
While skeuomorphism can provide a sense of familiarity and tangibility, it can also make designs appear cluttered and outdated. The hyper-realistic nature of the design can sometimes make it hard for the user to distinguish functional and decorative elements, making it difficult to navigate through complex websites or interfaces. Additionally, skeuomorphism can negatively affect load times and device compatibility, as complex images take up more space and can be difficult to replicate across different devices.
Flat Design: Simplicity and Minimalism
Enter flat design—a simplified, minimalist aesthetic that has become extremely popular in web and app design. Originating in the late 2000s, flat design strives to cut out the clutter of skeuomorphism for a more straightforward and intuitive experience. Rather than simulating a physical environment, flat design uses basic shapes and clean lines to convey the necessary information. Elements such as drop-shadows, gradients, and depth of field are intentionally left out, resulting in a simple, but more modern look.
While flat design can be visually appealing and easy to implement, it can sometimes be too uninteresting or monotonous. Users may also struggle to understand the relationship between different elements, as three-dimensional cues are lacking. Additionally, because flat elements are easy to create and implement, the design can sometimes lack depth and sophistication.
Finding Balance: Material Design
To address the limitations of both skeuomorphism and flat design, some designers are now adopting a third style—material design. Material design is a modern approach that aims to find a balance between the familiarity of skeuomorphism and the simplicity of flat design. Developed by Google in 2014, material design uses shadows, colors, and motion to create a realistic user experience.
One of the main principles of material design is to create intuitive and consistent interfaces across all devices. Designers begin by establishing a basic grid and layout, then choose colors and typefaces to fit with their style. Design elements are added to simulate depth and light, helping users understand and navigate through the interface. Motion is an important part of the design, as it can be used to create a sense of progress, or to provide feedback to the user.
Material design carefully balances realism and simplicity, making it perfect for modern web and app design. Whether you’re a designer or a developer, material design offers a flexible and intuitive user experience. Content remains clear and easy to navigate, while still providing an elegant and sophisticated look.
Conclusion
Skeuomorphism, flat design, and material design are all viable options for modern web and app design. While skeuomorphism relies on hyper-realistic textures, flat design is minimalist and simple. Material design aims to find a balance between the two, using shadows, motion, and color to create a realistic user experience. Finding that balance could be the key to creating a modern and innovative user interface.