FLAT UI James Marquis

What is Flat UI?  Design theme for Bootstrap  Minimalistic approach to design  Uses bright colors, flat illustrations, clean space, and crisp edges  Meant to contrast skeuomorphism used by Apple

Well, what’s skeuomorphism?  “A derivative object that retains ornamental design cues from structures that were necessary in the original”

Elements of Flat Design  Bright and contrasting colors  No beveled edges, gradients, shadows, or reflections  More focus on functionality  Meant to “play to the strengths of a digital interface, rather than limiting the user to the confines of the familiar analog world.”

Examples of Flat UI     Windows 8 Interface Windows 8 Interface

Questions  What are the differences (in theory and practice) between flat design and skeuomorphism?  What is one of the easier ways of achieving flat design?  What was one of the first major uses of flat design?

Answers  Skeuomorphism focuses on the familiar, making users feel more at home with what they are using (a bookcase app appearing like wood, keyboards with the nubs on f and j, etc.). Flat design is about the information, getting rid of the “outside noise” caused by skeuomorphism  The Flat UI design template for Bootstrap  Microsoft with the Windows 8 interface