“As with most such debates, “skeumorphism” versus “flat” is devoid of crucial context. When the iPhone came out, nobody used touch devices.1 The signaling benefits of skeumorphism were very useful,2 especially since most iPhone buyers were buying their first iPhone. Today, as the premium smartphone market moves towards saturation, an increasing portion of iPhone users are buying their second device. The context is changing. And, likely, so is iOS.”

A good point with regard to the original benefit of skeumorphism in iOS design and why it may/can change. stratēchery | Jony Ive is not a Graphic Designer

“

Speaking is physically difficult for me. But my feelings are clear: I’m furious. I will not rest until we have righted the wrong these senators have done, and until we have changed our laws so we can look parents in the face and say: We are trying to keep your children safe. We cannot allow the status quo — desperately protected by the gun lobby so that they can make more money by spreading fear and misinformation — to go on.

I am asking every reasonable American to help me tell the truth about the cowardice these senators demonstrated. I am asking for mothers to stop these lawmakers at the grocery store and tell them: You’ve lost my vote. I am asking activists to unsubscribe from these senators’ e-mail lists and to stop giving them money. I’m asking citizens to go to their offices and say: You’ve disappointed me, and there will be consequences.

”

Gabriel Giffords (the former congresswoman who was shot in the head at point blank last year) in a plea to Americans.  A Senate in the Gun Lobby’s Grip - NYTimes.com