Neumorphism has been a topic of discussion among design experts and trade publications since December 2019. A graphic style with precise characteristics, but not without limits and criticism, given its relatively new nature.
Does the subject fascinate you? Then dive into the read!
Neumorphism: what is it?
Neumorphism is one of the latest trends in UI design and it is a decidedly essential way of drawing the user interface. This style is an extension of so-called Flat Design, which stands out for its flat, simple elements, and of the earlier Skeuomorphism, which set out to reproduce the interface of real objects realistically on screen.
Neumorphism promises to define the near future of the graphic design of interfaces, influencing the visual appearance of applications, web apps and websites. If we aspire to a cutting-edge interface, it is essential to gain an in-depth understanding of neumorphic design and start integrating it into our designs.
The principles of Neumorphism
The fundamental principles of Neumorphism are relatively simple: background and elements share the same colour tone, creating a palette of luminous gradations. The goal is to obtain an effect in which the elements emerge gently, creating a sensation of concave or convex volumes with respect to the background, all in a monochrome universe.
But let’s summarise the key points of this style specifically:
- Sense of depth: three-dimensional visual effects, giving the impression that objects are raised from the surface beneath.
- Tone on tone: tone-on-tone colours for the UI components, in which the elements blend with the background, creating a more natural and “neutral” look.
- Shading and thin borders: soft shadows are used to outline objects with thin borders and create a sense of lift.
- Materiality and realism: neumorphism tries to create a “material” or “real” look, as if the objects were made of paper or rubber. This aims to evoke a sense of familiarity and tangibility.
- Variable brightness and colour: objects seem to respond to changes in light, which makes them more realistic.
- Simple iconography: icons and symbols tend to be simple, minimal and often single-colour, to stay consistent with the overall design.
- Readability and usability: the readability of the text and the usability of the interface remain essential, even if the aesthetic is realistic.
The limits of Neumorphism and their solutions
Neumorphism is not without limitations, including its impact on accessibility. A monochrome design based on shades can make it hard to establish a clear visual hierarchy and points of reference. In specific light conditions, or with extremely bright or dim displays, the shades can compromise the distinction between elements, making the interface unreadable for users with visual difficulties or disabilities.
How do we solve the problem? There are several practical solutions that can be adopted to try to counter these limitations. Let’s look at them:
- Accent-to-surroundings contrast: increasing the contrast between the key elements and the background can improve visibility. Make sure that elements in the accent colour, such as buttons and important text, are clearly distinguishable from the surrounding background.
- Haptic and audio feedback: introducing haptic and audio feedback can be crucial. For example, adding vibrations or distinctive sounds when a user interacts with an element can give a clear indication, improving the experience for those with visual difficulties.
- Customisable settings: offering customisation options lets users adapt the interface to their own needs. Allowing adjustments to contrast, text size and display styles can make neumorphism more accessible to a wider audience.
- Additional visual feedback: use additional visual feedback, such as accentuated outlines or more pronounced shadows, to highlight the interactive elements. This can help to overcome the shades that might cause confusion.
- Accessibility testing with diverse users: carry out usability tests with a variety of users, including those with visual disabilities, to get direct feedback on how usable the interface is. This will help to identify and solve any specific accessibility problems.
It should be pointed out that neumorphism is a relatively new design and is not without criticism. Some believe that the depth effect and the added details can make interfaces more complex and negatively affect usability. However, it is an interesting design approach and can be appropriate in certain contexts, especially for applications and websites that aim for a modern, realistic look. Moreover, by integrating these solutions into the design process, we can make neumorphism more inclusive, guaranteeing an accessible and satisfying user experience for everyone.
When designing software solutions, dotenv pays close attention to UX/UI processes. To build an accessible product, a very precise set of steps has to be followed.