Skeuomorphism

Notes

From Chapter 1 of Designing with the mind in mind:

“

For example, on digital device screens, shadows are often added to make interface elements appear to protrude from the background (see Figure 1.10). This draws on the convention, familiar to digital device users, that “the screen’s light source is above.” Users unfamiliar with this convention may find it difficult to tell whether an element protrudes or is recessed.

However, the assumption that illumination comes from above the visual field, especially the upper left, is likely an evolved adaptation built into the human visual system, rather than an arbitrary convention familiar only to digital device users. Even first-time users of digital devices are therefore very likely to interpret shadows as intended. (P. Mamassian, R. Goutcher, 2001, Prior knowledge on the illumination position)