UI design above by Álvaro Carreras A debate I seem to come across both online and in person is that between skeuomorphic and flat UI design. With the frontrunners like Apple and Microsoft championing their trendy flat interfaces, it seems like the traditional skeuomorphic design route is being pushed aside and labelled as outdated. This infographic outlines some advantages and disadvantages of both, pushing more for the flat side of things. While I do love the simplicity and elegance of it, flat design seems like its almost weeding itself out. The purpose of it was to consolidate complex information into its barest, most understandable form. But that doesn't quite work if everyone is doing the exact same thing. I'm starting to see a lack of differentiation as the majority switch to this design aesthetic, leading to user confusion, which is the opposite of the goal of flat design. And that's only if the design is executed well! I agree with John Payne that we shouldn't abandon skeuomorphic design, because its not really a transient design craze. It's something that is inherent in the way we should be designing, that can and should be adapted to new trends. | "We need to expand the conversation about what design can do through cultural affordances—not simply to address ease of use, but to communicate context, identity, purpose, and value." |