Skeuomorphism is a new buzzword in the tech world. So, what exactly is skeuomorphism? Simply put, skeuomorphism is a form of visual metaphor of functionality, most often found in the graphic user interface. In the GUI, the skeuomorph represents some familiar object or task. What makes the visual metaphor skeuomorphic is that it retains some design element from the prior iteration, which in some cases, can be more or less functional than the original design (Kass & Lauer, 2004).
For example, in mail programs we often see the envelope represent the mail function, but the envelope no longer serves a required function of composing, sending or receiving mail. Other examples include: a contacts rolodex, file folders, trash cans, iconic camera designs and sounds for taking pictures, music applications, and a multitude of other designs that mimic physical objects and their functions.
What’s more, with skeuomorphism, the design necessarily evolves from the previous iteration of the thing. Take the example of the phone. We can start with the classic rotary phone, then move to push-button style, then wireless, and finally to the current cell phone. In the current cell phone, when a person goes to make a call, usually they see a rotary or cell phone-like icon, then, they get to tap on some push-style buttons and hear dial tones that mimic the functionality of the predecessor.
Skeuomorphs in particular have been championed for their way of strengthening mental models of UI’s (Glasier, 2012). Take our telephone example: cell phone users understood how the skeuomorphs functioned because of their prior experience with physical phones. However, skeuomorphs have also been criticized for the limitations they place on new functionality. In relation, Apple’s recent firing of Scott Forstall, IOS architect, and chief proponent of Steve Job’s affinity for Apple’s skeuomorphic designs, has ignited the discussion of the skeuomorphic impact on design (Wingfield & Bilton, 2012).
Skeuomorphism as visual metaphor is based on semiotics, in that it encodes meaning onto/into the product for the user to experience, understand and hopefully learn to use and enjoy. This semiotic relationship between technology and visual metaphor is founded in culture and cognition (i.e. How we do something here is not necessarily how they do something there; or, what this picture means to me is not necessarily what this picture means to you) (Gessler, 1998). Nonetheless, without visual and auditory communication, there would be limited ways for humans to interact with computer code; therefore designers frequently rely on visual metaphors and skeuomorphs to communicate ideas and functionality to users.
References
Gessler, N. (1998). Skeuomorphs and Cultural Algorithms. Retrieved from http://www.skeuomorph.com/
Glasier, E. (2012). Skeuomorphism & Visual Metaphors, and what the heck they do in interface design [Slideshare]. Retrieved from http://ericaglasier.com/2012/11/19/lecture-skeuomorphism-visual-metaphors-what-the-heck-they-do-in-interface-design/
Kass, K. & Lauer, T. W. (2004). Media transitions: The cases of digital imagery and e-mail. Information Technology & People. 17, 3. ProQuest. Pp. 252-267.
Wingfield, N. & Bilton, N. (2012, November 1). Apple Shake-Up Could Mean End to Real-World Images in Software. The New York Times, p. B1. Retreived December 15, 2012 from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/technology/apple-shake-up-could-mean-end-to-real-world-images-in-software.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&.
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Thank you for sharing these references! I think the term “skeuomorph” is derived from art history, but with the recent firing of Apple’s Scott Forstall, the tech world went into a frenzy over the utility of skeuomorphic design. I will definitely be studying up on Kay, and the other contributors that you mentioned. You are right about your phone ringer, skeuomorphs are not limited to the visual interface.
Thank you for sharing these references! I think the term “skeuomorph” is derived from art history, but with the recent firing of Apple’s Scott Forstall, the tech world went into a frenzy over the utility of skeuomorphic design. I will definitely be studying up on Kay, and the other contributors that you mentioned. You are right about your phone ringer, skeuomorphs are not limited to the visual interface.
The word skeuomorphism may be a new term, I know this is the first time I have heard of it; however, the idea of using metaphoric imagery to reflect well known objects and tasks has foundations dating back to the first prototypes of modern day computers. The example of skeuomorphism in user interface given by Sanders (2012) states: “in mail (email) programs we often see the envelope represent the mail function, but the envelope no longer serves a required function of composing, sending or receiving mail. Other examples include: a contacts rolodex, file folders, trash cans, iconic camera designs and sounds for taking pictures”. This user friendly illusion of computer function is the work of Alan Kay; whose work in the early 1970’s is considered the most influential advancement in graphical user interface development. Prior to graphic user interface, computers were primarily used by scientist. Kay envisioned an easy to use interface based on the understanding of human perception. His research was built upon previous work which studied intuitive capacity for learning and how images and symbols are processed for complex concepts (Packer & Jordan, 2001). Much of this work had been studied by psychologist such as Jean Piaget, Seymour Papert, and Jerome Bruner. George Johnson, author of ‘Fire in the Mind: Science, Faith and the Search for Order,” states in his review of books in the New York Times that dragging documents into folders or into a trash can is a form of user interface trickery where the operator is presented with a digital hallucination. In reality, there aren’t any documents, folders, or mail envelope that your message is sealed in; instead there is only computer chips and electrical charges representing binary code (Johnson, 1998). The active interface that which we have grown accustom has made possible the mass use and interaction we experience everyday when using computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. In fact, it is what makes possible our ability to attend classes at Penn State without being on campus. The familiarity of seeing a mail envelope, folders, album covers, and other icons that resemble the original objects image and function definitely help me adjust to new technologies.
References
Packer, R., & Jordan, K. (2001). Multimedia from Wagner to virtual reality. W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. New York, NY.
Johnson, G. (1998). This is a simulation; the brain creates a picture of reality that we mistake for the actual thing. The New York Times on the web, Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/05/03/reviews/980503.03johnst.html
Very good post Kat. As I was reading this, it reminded me of the old style telephone ring I have on my iphone to remind me of how phones used to ring. I prefer that ring compared to the newer ring choices.