Skeuomorphs

Skeuomorphs are aesthetic elements of design that no longer correlate with their original function. Computer software is full of skeuomorphs. For example, the save button that we're all used to is a picture of a floppy disk. But then, who uses floppy disks any more? This is part of a complete episode.

Why do we make a hand-crank motion when asking someone to roll down their window? After all, in most new cars, that's done with the press of a button. An outmoded gesture like this is similar to a skeuomorph, a design element that still used even though it no longer has a function. For example, smartphones still use images of old handsets or tape recorders to indicate phone and voicemail functions. This is part of a complete episode.