Skeuomorphic means designed to mimic a real life counterpart it has nothing to do with being obsolete
A skeuomorph is a derivative object that retains ornamental design cues (attributes) from structures that were necessary in the original.[3] Skeuomorphs are typically used to make something new feel familiar in an effort to speed understanding and acclimation. They employ elements that, while essential to the original object, serve no pragmatic purpose in the new system.
(Wikipedia)
I dont think these logos are skeuomorph either
Yes, this means for example using a Pen as a writing icon. You do not need a pen, to write on a computer.
This just means that they’re similar, it’s something else when it comes to obsolescence like floppies. The goal is to design it in such a way that it’s an analogue to some familiar counterpart.
This is in contrast to more abstract design patterns
Lets collect random symbols like that
(These are only in Android, keepassdx and jerboah)
- floppy: save
- pen: edit
- chain: link
- globe: internet
- sizzor: cut
- notepad: paste/clipboard
- studio mic: audio
- trashcan: delete
- airplane: antennas off
- radio cell: hotspot, wifi
- metal bell: message
- server rack: storage
- speaker: sound
- sun: brightness
- key: encryption, vpn
- lock: encrypted / needs permission escalation
- unlock: decrypted, readable by current user
- folder: directory
- folder with zipper: archive
- house: home dir, launcher, main view
- clothes pin: attached file
- letter: email
- gear: configuration
- magnifying glass: search
- laboratory glass: experiment
- picture with mountain or sunflower: gallery
Though I agree that skeuomorphs are generally concrete rather than abstract representations, ignoring the obsolescence aspect means that almost any design element that looks like a concrete object (however stylized it may be) would then be a skeuomorph, right?
Your camera app icon that looks like a camera lens - skeuomorph? I’d say no because cameras still have lenses.
When you use your camera app and your phone speaker plays a sound that mimics an SLR shutter clicking even though your phone’s camera doesn’t use a shutter curtain - skeuomorph? Yes, it mimics something familiar from a previous design no longer necessary in the current design.
I am a bit of a word nerd and recognize that words can change in meaning over time, but I’ve always understood skeuomorph to be in line with my usage. Can anyone point me to an alternate definition?
Read this
https://thoughtbot.com/blog/abstraction-vs-skeuomorphism
If the user interface of a camera app is designed like a real life camera, it’s skeuomorphic, but most phone camera apps are completely abstract
