Flat design and design that’s flat

There is a difference - a big difference. Flat design emphasizes content over creation. One of the main components of the theory behind flat design is the idea the end user should be able to cleanly and easily view the desired information. Fancy designs are aesthetically pleasing but can be distracting and they can even detract from the presented topic. Flat design is intended to present content which is easy to take in, both in terms of reading and being visually appealing. Also, flat design caters to the digital experience (which really boils down to data delivery of one form or another). Skeuomorphism (the retention of ornamental design cues from a given subject which were necessary attributes of the original rendition) works more for “how” to view the content instead of “why” to view it. Content always reigns supreme. Given the available viewports (desktops, laptops, mobile devices of all breeds), flat design is currently the most amenable way to deliver what you have to offer on a website.

That being said, proper design is still essential in order for the end user to easily digest the content. Knowledge of how and when to use flat design is key to a great website - or app, for that matter.

Until we come up with a different (better) way to access the information we want, flat screens are here for a while. Here are a few bullet points to keep in mind when thinking of flat design vs. design that is flat...

Flat design:

Design that beautifully shines the spotlight on content.

• Straight to the point
• Great typography
• Beautiful color scheme
• Simple icons
• Cleaner aesthetic
• No bevel or emboss
• Perfect for every device

Design that’s flat:

When creating a website one must keep the end goal in mind at all times, there must be a balance between content and design throughout the site.

• Use of ornamentation which lends nothing to content
• Comes across as empty
• Minimal content
• Confusing
• Cookie cutter look
• Missing personality

Bottom line

Flat design can be very innovative and guide the user in an amazing web experience but the focus must be on the content. Flat sites with no real content are like decaf coffee, why even bother ?