Flat design was put forward to deal with the design limitations of skeuomorphism and enhance digital experiences. This design has the potential to create great UX. Some web designers dismiss flat design as another aesthetic trend that is catching up with the tech community. However, there are pointers that show the design is more than just a design to enhance the looks of an application.
Skeuomorphism
Skeuomorphism is the practice of designing an object to look like the object in real life. This kind of design brings the experience of using the object as it would have been if one was using the physical object. This kind of design is meant to invoke familiarity when one encounters the application or the tool online. It is a principle of imitation for aesthetic appeal.
Problems caused by skeuomorphism
Apple applications are a classic example of skeuomorphism. Most of its tools and applications resemble real-life items of the same functionality. Despite the fact that this kind of embellishment makes the apps and tools look great and visually appealing, it presents both the designers and the users with a few problems as seen below.
1. When designers stick to this standard in a digital format, they limit the functionality of the item to what people are used to. This kills creativity and the ability to expand the functionality of the particular application.
2. Elements that are skeuomorphic are incompatible with those that are not dimensionally enhanced. If used in a site, it would mean that the webmaster has to use the dimensionally enhanced applications all through, which is at times not possible.
3. Skeuomorphic items take up more screen space and limit the number of items that can appear on the screen. Moreover, they take long to load on a site yet the embellishments are functionless.
4. Sometimes, the elements designed in this format do not resemble any real life item. They may look inconsistent and odd to a point that they do not make any logical sense.
Flat design as a solution
A flat design is an enhanced minimalist design. The design strips the three-dimensional effects of the skeuomorphism to achieve crispness and clarity. Unlike minimalist design, the flat design incorporates the features of the real life object but without the third dimension.
Perth web design professionals are able to create interface designs that that are more efficient and streamlined. Moreover, it makes it easy to convey the right information without sacrificing approachability and visual appeal. This design also makes it easier to design interfaces that are responsive to a variety of browser and screen sizes in various devices. Thus, websites load faster and resize accordingly while still looking sharp on HD screens.
The flat design fits an on-screen experience and ability to navigate the pages, unlike other styles that are primarily made to mimic a physical experience. The design can be adapted to various devices and remain legible. Thus, the webmaster does not need to create mobile sites to have the information displayed on mobile devices.
Conclusion
A flat design has the key attributes of minimalism and skeuomorphism. This helps to keep the site beautiful without affecting its functionality. The design recognizes the importance of familiarity in user experience but also eliminates the physical limitations brought about by the third dimension of images. The design is scalable and adaptable to new ideas and trends while creating harmony between the aesthetic appeal and functionality.
A business that would like to have appealing applications and not put off the mobile users should consider using flat design in creating online and offline tools and applications rather than the rich styles.
