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- Squares and rectangles. Squares and rectangles are among the most common geometric shapes that we are familiar with. Rectangles and squares indicate familiarity, comfort, security, and a sense of peace.
- Triangles. While squares and rectangles suggest a sense of stillness and calm, triangle shapes are dynamic in nature. In shape psychology, they are used to indicate adventure, intensity, or getting somewhere.
- Circles, ovals, and ellipses. The roundness of circles, ovals, and ellipses implies softness, flexibility, motion, and fluidity. These geometric shapes point to the idea of being on the move or that something is hard to pin down.
- Pentagons, hexagons, and octagons. There are plenty of shapes with more than four sides, but pentagons, hexagons, and octagons are among the most popular.
In this article, we explored theories of shape psychology, symbolic meanings of common shapes, techniques for visual hierarchy and flow, principles of harmony and tension, and real-world examples of using shapes for impact.
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- Let’s Take A Look at Types of Shapes in Design
- The Psychology of Shapes in Design
- Conclusion
Geometric shapes
When thinking of shapes these are the first to come to mind. They include squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, pentagons, hexagons, or instantly recognizable octagons. These shapes are easily identified and have been given names. The shapes with straight lines and angles usually symbolize structure and order, while the shapes with curves are softer and represent connection and community.
Natural / Organic shapes
By nature, these are irregular shapes and are more often than not curved or uneven. Like most things in nature, these shapes tend to be comforting and approachable. Represented in the shapes of rocks, clouds, leaves, and flowers, they are mainly nature-based but can be man-made with elements such as paint blobs or free drawing that are created through spontaneity.
Abstract shapes
Abstract shapes are recognizable in form but are essentially not real as they are simplified versions of organic shapes. To give you an example, icons are abstract shapes that represent concepts and ideas, a stick figure is an abstract shape of a person, etc. Symbols that you see and use in your everyday life, such as mobile app icons, can be placed in this category. Shapes can be either positive or negative. They can be figures or they can be ground. Be conscious of the shapes you form with...
Designers use shapes to express different ideas, create the notion of movement, offer texture and depth to an image, suggest a mood or emotion, or emphasize an area of interest. Most of the time, the designs will get paired with a colour. The combination of shapes and colours are various and hold different meanings and moods. Before deciding which ...
Shapes like lines are an essential building block in our visual vocabularyand grammar. Try to create a design without using at least one shape. It’s impossible as even the blank page is a shape. There are an infinite variety of shapes and shape combinations. Most of the shapes you use and encounter will be geometric so try to work in organic shapes...
Feb 6, 2024 · Graphic designers, however, understand the meanings of shapes all too well, and use this code to more strategically communicate the right messages for logos, websites, advertisements, or whatever else the job calls for. In this article, we’re going to crack their code so that anyone can use it.
Oct 23, 2019 · There are 5 main types of lines in art: vertical lines, horizontal lines, diagonal lines, zigzag lines, and curved lines. Other types of lines are simply variations of the five main ones. To understand why these types of lines matter, how to use them based on their functions and discover line variations for art and design – keep reading.
Jul 7, 2014 · Circular: When you think curve, you may think circle. A circular curve can be open or closed and is the most basic curved shape. Curvilinear: The shape is formed based on the outlines of circles to form dips and arcs. The resulting curve often has distinct sense of symmetry.
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Oct 26, 2023 · Curves and Spirals: Creativity and Fluidity. Curved shapes, such as spirals and waves, evoke feelings of creativity, fluidity, and movement. They are often employed in artistic designs and branding related to innovation and imagination.
