yeah, ok I really don't get why flat design is a thing because it just fails to do what awesome UI did on me: wanting me to use them more as I use them in the first place.
The best example that has already been documented is the ssb4 UI (both version, but the WiiU one is slightly better).
Basically, it has bright colors. Just that helps because it emphasise the options. Then, you have the play with the size and icons. I think that is the main copponent of the UI because what I noticed over long usage is that the icons and size were so indicative of the importance of the option that in the end, there was always I second before I clicked where I wanted to use the option more than I originally intended.
SSBM one is the same, but this one did something special. They made you feel that you were in the system and you were controlling the motherboard or something. This feels of controls is like giving you the feeling you could do anything as long as you want it. Along with the music which is extremely obvious that it enhancethis feel, you just not want to use options, but you instead want to play the game at all meaning you just wnat to use the UI for the sake of using it.
Some people might tell you that UI is good as long as it is conveninent, but it's far from it, it's an EXTREMELY important componnent of your software. It has a great impact on the users appreciation because it presents the options. If you want to use this UI jsut because it's gorgeous AND simple to use, then it's a good thing if you love the software core since you'll love it more.
Which leads me to google, I don't get it. Seriously, if I got on youtube, I have no more interest to use an option because it's mostly too "bland" it's like the options has no feel to them, and even if I could argue that yes, it does seem more simpe to use, it doesn't make me want to use it.
And the worst thing is that they decided to put so much white it seriously is a bad thing for me who has extreme light sensitivity and extreme myopia (I have to use special glasses that magnify short distance objects like my PC to use it).
I know this post is long, but really, I don't get this trend. Windows 8, Google and even websites seems to go for it and I hate it.
At least Nintendo is still trying to have more simpe, but still gorgeous UI. I liked the Nintendo Land one, this one has always bring me joy to use this UI....ah I love those....hope I can see the TTYD one again....I think it's the best UI I used with how much happy it made me....