What would be the 10-star experience & beyond?

Trained academically as a computer science student, I was used to/still sometimes evaluate feasibility too early. When a solution appears, my mind starts asking “is this feasible” very quickly. That’s the downside of having an engineering mindset: you may run “feasibility evaluations” for your design solutions your head too early, rather than putting all the solution options onto the table, and waiting for your engineering partners’ expertise. This resulted in eliminating certain solutions prematurely. When you care about “what is feasible” too much too early, you stop going an extra mile to add a level of star experience for your users.

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Skeuomorphic vs. Flat Design

skeuomorphic vs flat design

I came across this excellent article about Apple’s highly textured and ornamented design (so-called “Skeuomorphic”) and Windows 8’s flat design. Apple tries to simulate real world objects and textures in its apps, such as iBook, Calendar, Notes; and in contrast, Microsoft tends to make interfaces look more flat and digital by removing every bit of adornment from its latest UI.

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