Skeuomorph

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Definition

A skeuomorph is a derivative object which retains ornamental design cues to a structure that was necessary in the original.[1] For instance, the tiny handles on glass maple syrup containers are vestiges of functional handles, but are left there for decorative purposes.

Examples of skeuomorphs in digital spaces include the voice message icon on Nokia mobiles is an old-school tape. [2], analog telephone ringtones, particularly when it sounds like an old rotary phone.[3] and shopping cart icons. [4]

Examples of analog skeuomorphs include the ventiports on decades of Buicks and scores of Asian-import tuner cars. [5] and the tiny handles on small maple syrup jugs.[6]

References

  1. The Compact Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press, 1971. Volume II, Pg. 4064.
  2. @justinpickard. 1/21/2011 at 4:24pm http://twitter.com/justinpickard/status/28488180801994752
  3. @thewillennium 1/21/2011 at 5:15pm http://twitter.com/thewillennium/status/28500849772724224
  4. @rutrut 1/21/2011 at 5:39pm http://twitter.com/rutrut/status/28507081787052032
  5. @cee__dub 1/21/2011 at 4:50pm http://twitter.com/cee__dub/status/28494656597663745
  6. @non_sensei 1/21/2011 at 4:30pm http://twitter.com/non_sensei/status/28489581074579456