Skeuomorphism

CORE DEFINITION

In digital design, retaining decorative elements from physical objects (such as wood grain on an electronic bookshelf or torn paper edges on a notepad), even though these elements are no longer functionally necessary in the digital environment. - Scaffolding role: a transitional bridge for cognitive transfer. - In the early stages of introducing new technology, skeuomorphism helps users quickly get started using old experiences (e.g., the recycle bin icon). However, as cognition matures, excessive skeuomorphism can become a burden (e.g., keeping a difficult-to-use knob just to mimic a radio). Innovators must know when to introduce skeuomorphism (to lower the barrier) and when to abandon it (to improve efficiency and move toward flat design).