Curatorial Project — Photo Essay

Comparing iOS versions from a skeuomorphic to flat design overview

Here, we have two different versions of iOS running on two iPhone 4Ss that are displaying the lock screen. On the left iPhone, there is the iOS 6 and prior design look. On the right iPhone, there is the iOS 7 design look.

On the left side of the picture, this is the design outlook to enter the passcode on the lock screen in iOS 7. On the right side of the picture, this is the design outlook to enter the passcode on the lock screen in iOS 6.

On the left side of the picture, this is the home screen view in iOS 7. On the right side of the picture, this is the home screen view in iOS 6.

Next, let’s take an overview of some of the default iPhone apps that users use on an everyday basis. We can also compare and contrast the similarities and differences between each iPhone application.

This is the iMessage app. Starting on the left, this is what it looks like in iOS 6. Onto the right, this is what it looks like iOS 7.

This is the Weather app. Starting on the left, this is what it looks like in iOS 6. Onto the right, this is what it looks like iOS 7.

This is the Mail app. Starting on the left, this is what it looks like in iOS 6. Onto the right, this is what it looks like iOS 7.

This is the Calculator app. Starting on the left, this is what it looks like in iOS 6. Onto the right, this is what it looks like iOS 7.

Overall, these are the main differences in terms of design outlook in both version of iOS. iOS 6 (top), iOS 7 (bottom). Additionally, on the third screen on each top and bottom row is the Notification Center.

Here, we have a detailed design overview of each of the default iPhone application icons that are displayed from left (iOS 6) to right (iOS 7). You can definitely see the differences of the designs being compared to each other closely.

This is how each versions of iOS design their app icons with the design structure explicitly stated above. Seem like iOS 6 and prior adds an extra layer (gloss layer) to its overall app icon design besides the graphic/logo itself.

Summing up the connection!

Overall, as you can see the images above, this is one example of how user interface designs have transitioned dramatically over the past several years. In this instance, Apple Inc. has made the move to completely redesign their overall user interface design outlook from a skeuomorphic look to a flat design look. This photo essay is a great example of visualizing the key differences as iOS 6 and prior was considered as the old and original look of the iOS system versus the new, modern, and minimalistic look of iOS 7. As the synthesis talks in depth about the different notions of how user interface design has gradually changed and influenced people’s approach to visual screens, this project was meant to show the continuous efforts of how interfaces and interactions can be improved to help create the ultimate user experience for people when utilizing technology. It is essential for people to keep up with the purposes of these design changes as they are the forefront of creating an experience on representing the information or data. Based on these screens, we choose how to interact and perform tasks if given the functionalities to do something. Design is a process itself; people are a process themselves. Whenever people find more innovative ways to create, update, or transition into, design will always follow through to make those ways become more apparent. Design is intelligence made visible to those who need to follow and be inspired. It is a story that people make and imagine to influence others.

Photo credits to Google Images.