Thougts on Apple’s use of Skeuomorphism
A collection of opinions about Apple’s skeuomorphic UI design:
Skeuomorphism: The Opiate of the People by @andymangold
“Some people believe that skeuomorphism makes an interface easier to use, or more intuitive for the user, and I simply don’t buy that. But what hadn’t occurred to me is that it doesn’t matter if it actually does make it easier to use, all that matters is that it makes the average person think it’s easier to use. In reality, a user must take time to learn any interface, whether clad in faux leather or not. The skeuomorphism in iOS plainly tricks people that might otherwise walk away, convinced that they can’t learn something new, into putting in the time required to get acclimated to a new interface.”
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion: the Ars Technica review by
“In 2011, we’re far past the point where computer interfaces need to reference their forebearers in the physical world in order to be understandable (though it’s possible Apple thinks the familiarity of such designs is still an effective way to reduce intimidation, especially for novice users). At the same time, hardware and software have advanced to the point where there’s now ample “bandwidth” (to use Tog’s term) to support visual and functional nuances beyond the bare necessities.”
The condescending UI by Paul Miller
“My problem with many modern UIs is that they never get past the telling phase. They’re always dressing up their various functions with glows and bevels and curves, and in the process they somehow become overbearing to my senses. “Did you know you can click this? Don’t forget there’s a save button over here! Let me walk you to your control panel.” Imagine a car that verbally explains all of its various knobs and levers the first time you get into the car. Wonderful, right? Now imagine that car explaining all of these various functions every single time you get in the car for the next five years, until you finally snap and drive it off a cliff.”
Additional thoughts…
