How to Break Out of Boxy Interfaces with Visual Metaphors

Thinking outside the UI box

Many designers want to create a more pleasurable user experience for their app but don't know where to begin. The biggest mistake they're making is designing everything in a plain box.

While boxes are great for holding information, they fail to invoke the users's mental model. This results in a dull and boring experience. For instance, here's a collection of boxes masquerading as folders. Users only view them as folders because the interface dictates it.