Flat Design is a term used in the world of user experience (UX), which essentially refers to combining a simple, minimalistic user interface and an efficient, appropriate user experience. In the past, it was customary to use designs loaded with layers, shadows, special effects and complex 3D icons. The Flat Design features contrary properties:
Simple icons/buttons
Bold, uniform colors
Clean white background
Sharp outlines and shapes
Simple, basic typography
A known example of Flat design is Windows 8:
Other advantages of Flat Design are:
Realistic: stays in the confinements of the screen. Doesn't attempt to simulate a real world (3D, special effects, etc.)
Quick and efficient: a minimal use of design elements, a maximal focus on essence.
Fashionable: a familiar language used by many websites.
Adaptable and developable: enables the site's evolution and its adaption to different sized screens.
Simple and easy: simply applicable, less strain on the system.
At this point, it is unclear if Flat Design is a passing trend or a new language. Companies such as Microsoft, Google and Apple are already using it (this is probably the reason for its popularity).
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