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.
Transcript of “Skeuomorphs”
Grant, you remember that conversation we had recently about skeuomorphs?
Yes, this is one of my favorite words.
A skeuomorph is a design element that represents an old material used in a new way.
For example, you might build something out of concrete but give it wood grain because that structure used to be made out of wood.
Well, Kate Burns from Dallas sent us another example.
It’s a really great specimen of a skeuomorph, and that is the save button in your little software programs, your little word processing programs.
It’s a floppy disk.
No.
You know, it’s a picture of a floppy disk.
Right.
Whoever uses floppy disks?
No, they don’t even sell most computers with floppy disk drives anymore.
I know.
Remember?
I used to have a big pile of them.
But if you change the icon, then maybe you’d be like, where’s the save button?
Because now you’re used to the floppy disk.
Yeah.
How else would you represent the save?
I don’t really know.
Maybe the word save.
Yeah, or the little Monopoly guy with a bag of money, you know, save.
No, I don’t know.
How else would you?
That would be an interesting question to throw out there.
It’s a great question.
If you have an idea, 877-929-9673 or send it an email to words@waywordradio.org.
