Faux vs Flat

The chances are that most people won't have come across the word 'skeuomorph' much at all until recently - perhaps this is the first time you even knew it existed? Well it's big news right now as Apple, the self appointed king of skeuomorphic design, is looking to ditch the concept completely.

So what IS skeuomorph I hear none of you asking? (and no, it's not a creature from Doctor Who). Well, it's more of a visual thing, so I refer you to the image above - it looks like a fairly standard iPad app interface right? Notice the graphic elements designed to make it look like a real notepad? That's basically skeuomorphic - ie. pretending to be real rather than pixels on a screen. It's especially strange when designers try to make an app look like something not just real, but a bit old fashioned - so all those apps showing, say, leather textures and stitching, that's REALLY skeuomorphic!

It also covers all the classic bevels, drop-shadows, wood grain, mirror reflections and the classic 'shiny' buttons so associated with Apple's iOS (the software on all iPads and iPhones). The trouble is that those elements take up precious screen room and, at least in functionality terms, are all a bit 'faux'.

Microsoft's new 'metro' user interface

Microsoft certainly thought so when they create the rather nice 'metro' interface seen on Windows Mobile (and Windows 8). In Google's latest version of Android they've also gone for a very flat visual aesthetic - keeping the user interface clean and free of unnecessary clutter. This has left Apple looking rather clunky and, dare I say it, a little 'old fashioned'? It seems that Jonathan Ive (Apple's product design guru) feels the same way - he's now in-charge of design across both products and the software itself and the next version of iOS7 is dropping all those old fashioned styles in favor of a very clean, flat look.

First glimpse of Apple's new iOS7

All good right? Well, not entirely. Apple now has two big problems: firstly, its competitors did it first and did it well - Apple is in danger of looking a bit 'me too' when previously its always been seen as an innovator. Secondly, that skeuomorphic look - all those shines and bevels and drop-shadows are virtually part of the Apple brand in many people's minds. Apple defined the smartphone and tablet using this look and feel. The company revolutionised the mobile space because it put the user first, and made all those apps fun and easy to use - no matter the age and technical ability of the user. The more tech savvy people out there might look at the 'wooden shelves' on Apples iBook app and feel a bit embarrassed about using it, but Apple needs to be very wary of moving ahead too quickly and dropping all these not strictly necessary, but very 'Apple' elements and leaving the old fashioned fun behind.

What do you think - will you miss the skeuomorphs when they're gone? Is the new iOS7 a success?

further reading:

Design Week: is there a place for skeumorphic design?

Seth Godin: Skeuomorph failure

The Verge: iOS7 design - simply confusing

Flat is good - Google's design guidelines

Flatter is better - Microsoft's design guidelines

Flattery is everything - Apple: iOS7 transition guide for designers and developers