skeuomorphism

[ skyoo-uh-mawr-fiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the quality or fact of having, incorporating, or using skeumorphs in an object or design:

   In a talk on skeuomorphism in Greek temples, the professor explained that the detailed stonework carving was intended to reproduce the look of wooden beams.

2. a style of digital design marked by three-dimensional graphics that mimic physical objects, either for decoration or to assist the user interface: Compare flat design.

   After 2007, there was a radical shift in the design community away from skeuomorphism and toward purely digital representations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of skeuomorphism¹

First recorded in 2000–05; skeuomorph ( def ) + -ism ( def )

Example Sentences

Web designers call this “skeuomorphism”: the use of old technologies to understand new ones.

From New York Times

“Skeuomorphism” is a term used in graphical user interface design to describe objects that mimic their real-world counterparts.

From Washington Post

Responses to the clip have been suitably mocking, criticizing the VR experience for its pointless skeuomorphism and outdated visuals.

From The Verge

To me, the skeuomorphism of Docs has long been a sign that Google has fallen behind the times.

From The Verge

New Reminder app is much better. iOS skeuomorphism is almost dead.

From The Verge