Frutiger Aero is a term coined by Sofi Lee of the Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute in 2017 to describe the corporate tech aesthetic popular from approximately 2005 through 2013.
Prominent motifs include:
- Skeuomorphism in UI/UX design
- Glossy design
- Frutiger/humanist sans-serif typefaces
- Tertiary color palettes
- Glassy/transparent materials
- Photographs of aurora borealis
- Bokeh photography
- Macro photographs of grass
The aesthetic was popularized by the release of Microsoft Windows Vista in 2007, which featured a glossy, skeuomorphic user interface. Other popular examples of Frutiger Aero include the iPhone, the iPad, and the Samsung Galaxy S.
Frutiger Aero has been described as a "nostalgic" and "charming" aesthetic, and it has been revived in recent years by brands such as Apple and Nike. It has also been the subject of academic study, with researchers exploring its relationship to consumerism and technology.
Here are some examples of Frutiger Aero in popular culture:
- The iPhone's user interface, which features glossy icons and skeuomorphic elements such as a leather-bound book for the phone's contact list.
- The iPad's user interface, which is similar to the iPhone's but with a larger screen and more features.
- The Samsung Galaxy S's user interface, which is similar to the iPhone's and iPad's but with a more distinctive design.
- The Windows Vista user interface, which features a glossy, skeuomorphic design.
- The Sims 3, which features a glossy, skeuomorphic user interface.
- The Xbox 360 controller, which features glossy plastic and a skeuomorphic design.
- Fruit Ninja, which features a glossy, skeuomorphic user interface.
Frutiger Aero is a unique and distinctive aesthetic that has had a significant impact on popular culture. It is a reminder of a time when technology was new and exciting, and it is sure to continue to be popular for years to come.