This document discusses skeuomorphism, which is the use of design elements from physical objects in digital interfaces to increase usability and appeal. It provides examples of skeuomorphism in digital cameras mimicking shutter sounds, music synths mimicking hardware layouts, and electric cars mimicking engine noises. The document explores how skeuomorphism can help transition users to new technologies like touch interfaces by referencing familiar physical metaphors. It discusses debates around the appropriate use of skeuomorphism and how it relates to usability, enjoyment, and innovation.

2. skeuomorphs

3. "Skeuomorphism is the use of
previously necessary design elements
in a place they are no longer necessary
in order to increase appeal or usability."

4. Digital Camera
Recorded mechanical shutter sound

5. Reason Software Synth
Hardware synth-style layout and controls

6. Electric Car
Recorded engine noise (required by law)

7. Ancient Pottery
Sculpted woven-basket pattern

8. Rubber Wine Corks
Painted-on mottling

9. Hubcap
Decorative spokes

10. House
Decorative shutters

11. WHY IS THIS RELEVANT?
Touch interfaces
We're using
our hands
They're new
technology

12. REFERENCES TO FAMILIAR OBJECTS
1984 2010
desktop metaphor helps physical metaphors
the transition to graphical (skeuomorphs) help transition
interfaces to touch interfaces

13. “When appropriate, add a realistic, physical dimension
to your application. Often, the more true to life your
application looks and behaves, the easier it is for people
to understand how it works and the more they enjoy
using it.”
— iOS Human Interface Guidelines

14. “Dig, however, the page-curl animation (beautifully
rendered, but stick-in-the-craw wrong) in iBooks. Feast
your eyes on the leatherette Executive Desk Blotter
nonsense going on in Notes. Open up Calendar, with its
twee spiral-bound conceit, and gaze into the face of Fear.
What are these but misguided coddles, patronizing
crutches, interactively horseless carriages?”
— Adam Green eld

16. WHICH IS THE IDEAL READING EXPERIENCE?
iBooks Kindle

18. WHAT IS THIS DEVICE FOR?
It's barely a device;
it's a book.
Skeuomorphs
deemphasize
the technology
in favor of the utility.

19. WHICH ONE DO WE GET FOR GRANDMA?
iOS Android

20. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Worst.
Skeuomorph.
Ever.

22. WHICH IS BETTER GIVEN THE TECHNOLOGY?
skeuomorphic compass camera-enabled compass

27. WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
Use skeuomorphs to add a satisfying or nostalgic
emotional e ect.
Bridge gaps between what people are used to
and a new method with skeuomorphs.
Question whether you're skipping the opportunity
for innovation by using a skeuomorph.
Don't mismatch your functionality
and your skeuomorph.

28. Two goals for our users:

29. Two goals for our users:
1. GET THINGS DONE

30. Two goals for our users:
1. GET THINGS DONE
2. SMILE

31. Two goals for our users:
1. GET THINGS DONE
2. SMILE
Skeuomorphism can help.*
(*if done well)

32. “Usable designs are not necessarily enjoyable to use...
an attractive design is not necessarily the most e cient.
But must these attributes be in con ict? Can beauty and
brains, pleasure and usability, go hand in hand?”
— Don Norman

33. THANK YOU.
WRITING BY
Fred Beecher, Ben Brooks,
Adam Green eld, John Pavlus,
Steven Poole, Dorian Taylor,
Timothy Taylor, Aaron Weyenberg,
and Quora users like you.
PHOTOS BY
anitakhart on ickr, museum_girl on ickr,
captkodak on ickr, taberandrew on ickr,
Matt Groening, Penny Arcade,
innerauto.com, nissanusa.com,
and the iOS App Store.

34. a Andrew Watterson is a designer.
www.andrewwatterson.com
@andrewwatterson
Meebo is totally hiring.
www.meebo.com/jobs