What do we call the type of design in which outdated technology is used to represent new forms?

What do we call the type of design in which outdated technology is used to represent new forms?

Some answers describe the phenomena correctly but are stating that it's called "skeuomorphism". But I think that's not the right term for it. I'd rather call it legacy or retro design.

Skeuomorphism is about using visual details from a real physical object or material in a derivative design, which doesn't need or use those details at all. Like the leather stitches in the Contacts book on your computer or mobile screen. Or the wood grain print of the plastic dashboard panel in your car.

Steve Jobs once said that he intentionally used skeuomorphism in the first operating system of the iPhones, to induce a sense of familiarity with this new experience of touching icons on glass. But he didn't mind toning it down a notch, later on.

However, legacy design still rules on your iPhone's iOS after more than 10 years, in many icons like the ones for Mail and the Phone. And to some extent in the icons for Contacts (right-side tabs) and Notes (tear-off perforation).



Oorspronkelijk geplaatst op Quora: What do we call the type of design in which outdated technology is used to represent new forms (e.g. receiver icon on modern iPhones)?"