Why We Are Obsessed with Circles
Circles are everywhere, from the natural world to man-made designs. Their perfect symmetry and pleasing aesthetic make them a popular choice among designers, but have you ever wondered why circles hold such an irresistible appeal?
In his book “The Book of Circles,” data designer Manuel Lima explores several theories that shed light on why we are so obsessed with circular shapes. Let’s delve deeper into some of these theories to understand the power of circles.
Primitive Roots: The Safety of Circles
One theory suggests that our fascination with circular shapes can be traced back to our primitive ancestors. They used circles to fortify their dwellings, providing protection from predators and other dangers. This association with safety may explain why we still feel drawn to circular shapes.
Positive Emotions: The Roundness Effect
Research has shown that round shapes trigger positive emotions. This is known as the “roundness effect,” which suggests that the brain processes curves more easily than angles. This effect may explain why we associate circular shapes with happiness, comfort, and friendliness.
Spherical Distortion: The Biased Brain
Another theory suggests that our brains are naturally biased towards circular shapes. Our eyes create a spherical distortion every time we look at something, and our brains have become accustomed to this distortion. As a result, circular shapes are easier to process, which may contribute to our affinity for them.
Beauty Principles: The Perfect Shape
Circles fulfill all the principles that make beauty, including infinity, unity, repose, symmetry, and purity. This may explain why we consider circles to be the perfect shape and why we perceive them as aesthetically pleasing.
The Power of Circular Shapes in Design
Designers have long recognized the power of circular shapes in their work. From logos to architecture, circular shapes can be found in almost every aspect of design. Circular shapes can convey a sense of balance, harmony, and unity, making them an effective tool for designers to communicate their message.
Conclusion
The power of circles is undeniable. Whether it’s because of their association with safety, our brain’s preference for spherical distortion, their ability to trigger positive emotions, or because they fulfill the principles of beauty, circular shapes hold a special place in our hearts.
As designers and creators, it’s important to understand the significance of circular shapes in our work. By appreciating the power of circular shapes, we can use them to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also communicate a message of balance, harmony, and unity.
So next time you see a circular shape, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and the role it plays in our world. Circles are more than just shapes; they are powerful symbols that have been ingrained in our collective consciousness for centuries.
Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn if you need any more information on this topic or have any other questions related to UX design or product development.
