Why “skeuomorphic” is being discussed
The most recent Hacker News stories and comments contributing to this topic's mentions.
The one today doesn't look skeuomorphic at all
by mahboi · Oct 15, 2026
> Always showing vital elements like the scrollbar isn't a skeuomorphic choice, it's always a good idea, they only started hiding them because it looked 'cleaner' to some UI des…
by setopt · Oct 15, 2026
Love skeuomorphism. This just gave me a reminder to build a paper-like calendar app now, with pencil markings showing events. I definitely don't want a skeuomorphic desktop, but…
by elxr · Oct 15, 2026
I always think about video game UI's when I read the skeuomorphic design arugments. I suspect video games use them, at the very least, because they are delightful and fun; which…
by chrisguilbeau · Oct 15, 2026
This project highlights why designers hate skeuomorphism. Skeuomorphism looks tacky unless done very very well. Skeuomorphic design under Steve Jobs looked very good. This doesn…
by flowerlad · Oct 15, 2026
A lot of these don't need skeuomorphism to be solved. It just needs clearer designs. Always showing vital elements like the scrollbar isn't a skeuomorphic choice, it's always a…
by tavavex · Oct 15, 2026
Interest
Proportion of Hacker News items mentioning "skeuomorphic" over time.
Mentions
Total number of Hacker News items mentioning "skeuomorphic" over time.
A skeuomorph is a derivative object that retains ornamental design cues (attributes) from structures that were necessary in the original. Skeuomorphs are typically used to make something new feel familiar, thus easier to understand and use. They employ elements that, while essential to the original object, serve no pragmatic purpose in the new system, except for identification. Examples include pottery embellished with imitation rivets reminiscent of similar pots made of metal, or a software calendar that imitates the appearance of binding on a paper desk calendar. Read more on Wikipedia