It seems like the flat style of design is everywhere now – from mobile UIs, to web sites and icons. I’m a big fan of the flat design aesthetic, and I believe that it has it’s place – but I’m also a massive fan of the opposite side of the spectrum. Standing in stark contrast to flat designs, are ultra-realistic, skeuomorphic designs that add a level of realism.
I wanted to create a collection of some of my favourite app icons that make heavy use of realism to show that not everything needs to be flat. Some of these designs have been created for fun, while others are for real apps that are out there in the wild – but keep in mind that each one stands in stark contrast to the wave of flat design icons that are out there. These icons take realism to a new level, and imitate real objects that help to explain the app’s function.
If you know of any other realistic icons that deserve to be included in this roundup, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
Radio
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/382379-Radio-iOS-Icon
Camera
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/747002-Camera-Icon-Design
Mountain Hiking
Source:
Wallet
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/864872-Wallet-Icon
Bun
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/851880-The-Bun
Horoscope
Source:
Camera App for Travellers
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1024538-Camera-App-Icon-for-Travelers
Wallet App Icon
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/671143-Wallet-app-icon
Dusty Hat
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/655653-Dusty-Hat
Organiser
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/991194-LJ-Hooker-Internal-iPhone-App-Icon
THX Speakers
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/580003-THX-Speakers-App-icon
Clock
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1181882-iOS-icon
Drinking Fountain
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/743380-Drinking-Fountain-App-Icon
Real Drum
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/627830-Real-Drum
Boxing Glove
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/150614-Boxing-Glove-iPhone-Icon
Donut
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1075304-Donut-App-Icon
Teleprompter
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1218312-Teleprompter-Pro-Icon
Whiskey
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1218891-Whiskey-iOS-icon
Suitcase
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1317181-App-Icon
Camera
Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1109945-Say-Cheese-Camera-App-iOS-Icon
Which of these realistic icons do you like best? Let us know your favourites in the comments!
Dan writes for The Handpicked Collection and The Handpicked Foodstore. Outside of work he studies graphic and web design and tries to improve his Photoshop skills.