#index #design # Skeumorphism Skeumoprhism is a term most commonly used in graphical user interface design to describe objects whose design mimics their real-world application. the best example of this might be the trashbin on many desktops that informs the user that files they want to delete "should go here". The idea of Skeumorphism is that the visual presence is meant to aid the user by presenting familiar concepts wihtout requiring the need for a written guide or aid. Skeumorphism is likely the reason why the early iOS builds were so effective; the shape and visual design of each application mimicked its real world function, so your Mom could understand that if she wanted to watch Youtube videos, she could tap the app that looked like an old television. However skeumorphism only works so long as the icon doesn't outlive the object it is mimicking (see Floppy Disk icons to save).