One thing we may still haven't realised is that UI designs are subject to fashion cycles, just like clothing. Except enough time hasn't elapsed for us to observ

One thing we may still haven't realised is that UI designs are subject to fashion cycles, just like clothing. Except enough time hasn't elapsed for us to observe a full cycle similar to peak-bell-bottoms or peak-low-riders or peak-sideburns. We may be in a low-contrast / low-density peak, but we won't know until we pass it. However, looking back, we did seem to have passed at least one peak-skeuomorphic cycle (remember all the toolbars, icons, drawers and Microsoft Bob?). We may see another high contrast monochrome text-heavy cycle yet.