A skeuomorph, derived from the Greek skeuos, meaning container or tool, and morphe, meaning shape, refers to a design element retaining attributes of older structures that are redundant in the current form. These elements serve to imbue novelty with familiarity, aiding users in understanding new devices or systems.
They’re not solely functional; aesthetic considerations often prompt their use. There are lots of examples: pottery adorned with imitation rivets reminiscent of metal pots, lightbulbs mimicking candle flames complete with a flickering effect, and software calendars and address books resembling their paper counterpartsplanners.
There are also auditory skeuomorphs, such as clicking sounds when you tap a “button” on a touchscreen. Indeed, the notion of buttons on a touchscreen is also an example of a skeuomorph. Another familiar auditory skeuomorph is the faked sound of a camera shutter moving in a device, such as a phone or digital camera, both of which lack a conventional, physical shutter.
Skeuomorph design cues have a practical and aesthetic component often helping to bridge the gap between an old familiar device and the present system with the aim of improving the user experience.
There are countless other examples of skeuomorphs:
The tiny, non-functional handle on a glass maple syrup bottle.
Embellishments on stone buildings reminiscent of construction features on wooden buildings
The graphical user interface of modern computing, which commonly emulates switches, toggles, dials, and buttons of conventional electrical and electronic devices. The file and folder symbols resembling pieces of paper and filing cabinets. Even the floppy disk icon that is used to represent the Save function. Screen-based typewriter keys that also click like a typewriter when tapped. An envelope symbol to represent email
Vinyl and other plastics patterned to resemble their earlier wooden counterparts in various areas, vehicle trim, flooring, furniture, wall coverings
Pushbutton telephones designed with a fake dial to resemble an earlier type of telephone. Dialtone sounds on digital phones that no longer require a dialtone for technological reasons
Electric kettles with the design of stove-top kettles
Velcro fastenings with a fake buckle overlay
Mock Tudor architecture
Faux leather
Distressed furniture
Fake stone facades and brick veneers
Artificial flowers and fake plastic trees
Animal print fabrics
Artificial turf
Leatherette
Scented fabric softeners, scented candles, air fresheners, perfumes, scents, eau de cologne