In this video I share my opinion on Flat UI Design vs Skeuomorphic and Traditional UI Design.
13 CommentsLeave a Comment |
13 CommentsLeave a Comment |
Nice comparisons. I like the analogy with the kitchen. Right away I’m thinking people want to know where the handles are for the cabinets. They want the freezer up above and not on the bottom. Things that will annoy our guest when they visit and possibly something they’ll complain to others about lol. User Experience should always come first.
I’m a huge fan of the minimalist approach and so I like the flat look but agree that it has it’s downfalls. I think it will transform a bit much like skeumorphism went from drastic realism to a streamlined digital interface. I have incorporated more gradients in my flat designs though minimal and buttons still get noise, gradients and highlights and shadows to the boarders.
There are ways to keep things pretty flat in design and continue to direct the users attention through the content which is key for any design. That’s the difference between flat and metro to me. Metro was incorporated by Microsoft and is a classic look like you mentioned. Flats is more desaturated, soft and still minimal. It has it’s uses when done right. Done right is the issue. I’ll comment back with some of my favorites.
Hi, I do agree flat ui design will not give you the same “feel” and is easier to get wrong, but using food analogy: people don’t choose smoky ribs every time. They like to choose fancy food once a while for the experience, something unique, artistic. The same with the UI design. If you get it right it will pay off. It is nice, clean and even easier to use than traditional design.
Agree with Skeuomorphic design. hate it. very distracting.
@Kris – Yes, Flat UI isn’t bad per say, just needs to be balanced in my opinion. Too much Flat equates to a poor experience. Definitely needs to be balanced. But I do like Flat UI principles and many flat/vector style elements.
@Greg – The example with the food pic is definitely a stretch analogy. Fancy food dishes are very photogenic, appealing to the eye, minimal, visually nice, etc. These are all qualities of Flat UI. 90% of the time, people don’t resonate with fancy dishes. But yea, probably a stretch, I could have left that out. ;)
This is my stance exactly. I still really enjoy using minimal shadows/noise/textures.
When everything is flat it starts looking the same.
Of course it all depends on the project at hand.
I really think that a blend between both Flat and Traditional makes for a good look and user experience. Once the user is lost and has to question what to do next then frustration steps in. The user is the person site or app was built for – so why make it hard for them? One would only be seeking to send them on to the next site or app that is more user friendly.
Keep it up!
I’d agree with everything you’ve said on this video. Designers who get so caught up on the “genre” or whatever you call it, really annoy me. You know, the people who discredit a cool flat style design because it has one gradient or drop shadow.
Both styles are really cool, I really like designs that take a bit from both styles too.
Mike! Really been enjoying these videos. I swear you always make videos on the same thoughts I’ve had,and explain it in such a clear cool way. Hope too see many videos to come. Thanks!
what are your thoughts on parallax design?
Ricky I’d say parallax design would get the same review. I have gone to parallax sites and am lost. What’s the point? Though I have seen some that work just fine. Make a site that functions for the user first, then make it “cool” as long as it doesn’t take away from the usability.
Mike,
I enjoyed your comparisons in UI designs
If I may add a thought, I think Flat UI design is more dreamy like being in wonderland
Cheers!
John
Hi Mike,
I tended towards flat UI because I was becoming lazy and wanted to get stuff done real fast, but you’re truthfully on point.
Thanks for this
I got into this article which sisrpures me since this isn’t one of my interests. You did such a good job of presenting your facts that I couldn’t stop reading.
I just seen this video now and it has changed my opinion on flat design. It was a style I had become obsessed with mastering and using in all of my designs but I’m considering mixing the best of both styles in my work now! However, I would disagree that flat design is unusable. Mike said he had difficulty finding buttons and knowing whats clickable but I’ve never had this problem in iOS7. I think this experience for some may be a transitional thing for one style to another but I adapted and learned to like the new style very fast. But I think finding a happy medium between both styles is a good plan!