Flat design is a digital design style that was one of the most discussed trends throughout 2013. It is characterized by a really minimalistic look, focused on removing all extra elements and effects from a design, such as bevels, shadows, lighting effects, depth, texture, and every element that creates and gives an extra dimension to these elements.

This kind of treatment results in creating a very simple and clean look that seems visually flat on the screen, by using white space, bright colors, and simple lines as layout elements. Flat design, as a style, rose quickly to fame and to mass use because of its impactful look but surprisingly simple approach. It started to gather a big fan base and supporters of the style, because most people saw in flat design an opportunity for them to be able to create a simple and good looking web page.

It was undoubtedly one of the most discussed topics in design during 2013, and as there were many supporters, there were also a large number of people opposed to such a style and against the importance and discussion of it.

Also, one of the biggest reasons why flat design was so impactful in the community was because of its timing. Flat design came in a time when skeuomorphic design was one of the most famous and used styles in digital design and interfaces. They contrasted in such a significant way that it was indeed a really rough and extreme transition for users of these apps as well as for designers that needed to switch their design style to accommodate the users' wishes and expectations. And what is skeuomorphic design, you say?