From skeuomorphism to flat design

Age-related differences in performance and aesthetic perceptions

Bibliographic Data

ID21453141
AuthorsInês Cunha Vaz Pereira Urbano (Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal), João Pedro Vieira Guerreiro (0000-0002-0952-8368, University of Lisbon), Hugo Nicolau (0000-0002-8176-7638, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume41
Issue3
Pages452-467
Publication date2022-02-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueBehaviour and Information Technology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0144-929X • E-ISSN: 1362-3001
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0144929x.2020.1814867
OpenAlexW3081748388
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited32

The design of graphical user interfaces has been evolving from skeuomorph interfaces – which use elements that mimic the aesthetics and functionality of their real-world counterparts – to minimalist and flat designs. Despite the growing popularity of these new design approaches, they can be challenging for older adults who experience a decline in visual and cognitive abilities. Still, little is known about user performance, aesthetic perception, and preference of older adults, particularly in comparison to younger users and traditional skeuomorph interfaces. In this paper, we examine the performance and aesthetic perception of older (65–77 years old) and younger (20–40) adults with three design approaches: skeuomorph, skeuominimalist, and flat design. Results show flat design is either slower or less accurate than traditional skeuomorph interfaces for older adults across three tasks: visual search, identifying clickable objects, and multiple page navigation. Younger adults were less susceptible to performance differences between design approaches, but still subject to ‘click uncertainty’ with flat interfaces. Skeuominimalism did not show clear performance benefits over flat design or skeuomorphism, while the latter reduced the performance gap between age groups. Finally, younger adults preferred the simplicity of skeuominimalism, while older adults preferred skeuomorph interfaces because of the perceived usability, beauty, and trustiness

Aesthetics · Beauty · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Communication design · Human–computer interaction · Interface design · Multimedia · Perception · Popularity · Preference · Simplicity · Usability · Computer Science · Creativity in Education and Neuroscience · Innovative Human-Technology Interaction · Mathematics · Psychology · Social Psychology · Technology Use by Older Adults

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