Skeuomorphism

When your website introduces something new, it helps to replicate the real-world or already-know appearance of its counterpart or something related. This design-technique is called skeuomorphism.

Here are some examples:

  • The trash icon looks like a trash can
  • Apple’s original note app looked like a notepad
  • The mail app icon is an envelope

Clearly, this design tip leans on familiarity. Visitors have certain expectations and when you match them, you make life easier for them.

A more traditional way of using skeuomorphism is a call to action button that looks like an actual button with shiny colours and relief.


I discovered this concept in Growth Design and found useful information in this bootcamp post.

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