A VST, which stands for Virtual Studio Technology, is a plugin you can use in your DAW, Digital Audio Workplace, to add effects and virtual instruments. They usually use something called skeuomorphic design, which is what this article is about.

Skeuomorphism is a design aesthetic where interface elements, objects, or decorations mimic the appearance or textures of their real-world counterparts, even when those features don't serve a practical function. Skeuomorphism is the oppisite of flag design. It was popularized by Apple in the late 2000's, as it was used for the app icons. Other companies such as Youtube and Instagram did this too. Skeuomorphism slowly faded away in favor of flat design, which we see now. Historians in the far furture will call this "the moment where everything went to shit".

A skeuomorphic VST design