Flat is in! Flat Design vs. Skeuomorphism

What is “skeuomorphism”?

A skeuomorph /ˈskjuːəmɔrf/ is a derivative object that retains ornamental design cues from structures that were necessary in the original.
Source: Wikipedia

All “skeuomorphic” really means is that elements use shadows, gradients, textures and ornate details to reflect the real world object they represent.

Examples

Subtle textures and gradients are used above to create a realistic fabric effect.

The shiny chrome style makes this icon resemble a real volume knob.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros	Cons
Skeuomorphic design lets users know immediately what something is supposed to be. This design style is visually interesting and has lots of depth.	The overly ornate elements of skeuomorphic design can distract from the main point of your page or website. These designs tend to take longer to create and become dated more quickly. Overly ornate elements do not easily lend themselves to responsive design.

What is “Flat” design?

If skeuomorphism is “more is more”, flat design preaches “less is more”. Simplicity rules and content is king. Flat design elements are typically two dimensional, clean, and make use of bold colors.

Examples

The elements above are minimalistic and use bold colors without gradients.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros	Cons
Usability: A clean interface with simple elements is easy to use. Websites using this type of design will also load faster. Flexibility: Flat designs are typically very scalable, meaning they easily adapt to multiple devices.	Flat design can be considered by some as boring or dull. It is more difficult to customize the appearance of your site and position yourself differently. Eventually, many sites will begin to look the same.

What’s your preference?

When it comes to attracting the right job seeker or landing that new client, which design style would you choose? There is no right or wrong answer, and there are no strict rules demanding to follow one style or another. While flat design is currently preferred by many, your company’s branding and the audience you are trying to reach will be two major factors in deciding on which direction to take. When flat design does suit your project though, the minimalism, bold colors and sleek typography can create a highly usable and enjoyable experience.

Want to see how Haley Marketing can help incorporate flat design trends into your new website? Contact Us!

Becca Searns

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family where marketing was discussed over dinner every evening, it is only natural for Becca to bring her design talents home to Haley Marketing. Becca ensures the quality of Haley Marketing creative services. She also oversees the design and user experience for Haley Marketing products. Becca graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a BFA in New Media Design and an MBA. She jumped right out of school into a program called Remote Year. Spent the first four months as a freelance designer making ends meet to pay the bills and travel the world. Fast forward, she's successfully traveled and worked remote for nearly three years. Becca now combines what she learned from design and business school with more practical knowledge and experience gained starting her club hockey team in college and three years of long-term international travel to provide world-class, easy and affordable creative solutions for your business.