Originally posted here.
Good product design is intuitive—it does not require any explanation and a complete novice user should be able to master the product based on instinct alone. Products that have a familiar design are easier to use because users can rely on their previous experience when they interact with these products. Designers use a technique called skeuomorphism to make interfaces intuitive to users.
In this article, we’ll look at what skeuomorphic design really is and whether it’s still relevant in modern design.
“A skeuomorphism is an imitation of an object intended to represent the original.”
Nick Babich
What is skeuomorphism?
A skeuomorphism is an imitation of an object intended to represent the original. The term skeuomorph is compounded from the Greek words skeuos (meaning “container or tool”), and morphḗ (meaning “shape”). Originally, this term was used in the context of material transitions. When Ancient Greeks transitioned from wood to masonry construction, they recreated some of the functional features of the early wooden temples in stone.
Image of an Ancient Greek temple. Triglyph and guttae are elements of wooden templates that were recreated in stone. Image source: Wikipedia.
Skeuomorphism exists in the design of physical objects around us. You can notice it in furniture, tableware, jewelry, and many other physical objects.
Read more here.
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