Did you know that certain shapes make us feel a certain way?
Just as the heart shape💗💗 brings butterflies to your heart similarly different shapes make you feel differently. I am sure you’re thinking what a triangle would make you feel like 😂😂.
Shapes with rounded edges are gentler and more welcoming, but shapes with sharp lines and edges portray strength and presence. As designers, we strive to reach out to people’s hearts and express our mission via our work, and shapes play a vital role in this. Designers use shapes to:
- Create a feeling or mood
- Represent ideas or concepts in design and layout
- Make a path for the eye to follow around the design
- Add depth and movement
- In a layout, connect content and imagery
Let’s take a look at the meaning of some of the common shapes
All possible shapes segregate into three main categories: geometric, natural/organic and abstract.
Geometric shapes
These are the first shapes that spring to mind while thinking of shapes. Squares, rectangles, triangles, diamonds, circles, ovals, and other shapes are among them. These forms are immediately recognizable and have names. Structure and order are frequently represented by forms with straight lines and angles, but curves are softer and signify connection and community.
Natural/Organic shapes
These are irregular forms by nature, and are frequently curved or uneven. These forms, like most things in nature, are soothing and inviting. They are mostly natural, but may be man-made with features like paint blobs or free drawing that are formed by spontaneity. They are represented in the shapes of rocks, clouds, leaves, and flowers.
Abstract shapes
Because abstract forms are reduced copies of biological shapes, they are recognizable in form but are basically not real. Icons, for example, are abstract forms that symbolize thoughts and ideas, whereas a stick figure is an abstract shape of a person, and so on.
Squares and rectangles
These are the most widely used shapes by designer. Most of the companies like Instagram, Lego, Dominos, LinkedIn , Microsoft, etc, uses this shape as their logo. Its appeal stems from the fact that it is a well-known shape that denotes honesty, solidity, and stability. Squares and rectangles have a mathematical, balanced air to them because of their straight lines and right angles. These shapes exude logic, practicality, and conformance. As far as shapes go, these aren’t very showy or attention-getting, some could even say they’re dull but skilled designers can twist and spin them to give interest to a design.
Rectangles and squares are used to create a grid layout on all webpages. Because the eye can easily comprehend these shapes, the majority of text is contained within them.
In Buddhism, the square represents a person’s connection to the earth. However, when they are put inside a circle (which represents the eternal whole), they reflect the human-divine relationship.
Squares and rectangles we see in everyday life:
- Square rubber stamps
- Square tiles on the floor
- Square paper napkins
- Chess boards
- Virtual keyboard keys
Triangles
Triangles are a fascinating shape because they may be viewed in a variety of ways based on whether their sides are of the same length or different lengths, and whether they are stable or unstable while not sitting on their base. Triangles have a lot of energy and strength since they can point in different directions depending on where their base is situated. Triangles can evoke a sense of movement, tension, or even hostility. On the one side, they can represent strength, but on the other, they can represent discord.
Triangles are thought to be a more manly shape. The triangle symbolizes strength, development, purpose, and direction. Triangles can be found in pyramids and arrows, not to mention their religious significance, particularly in relation to the holy trinity. Triangles are a terrific way to symbolize the brand personalities of The Ruler, The Explorer, and The Hero.
When balanced, the triangle represents justice, science, and religion.
Triangles we see in everyday life:
- The “play” symbol
- The “fast forward” and “reverse” symbols
- Pyramids
- Mountains
- Pennants
- Pizza slices
Circles and Ovals
These rounded shapes tend to send a positive emotional message of harmony and protection. The circle is often used in a logo to represent unity, commitment, love, or community. Curves in general when used in shapes tend to be viewed as feminine in nature while straight-lined shapes are more masculine.
Circles have no beginning or end, they represent life and the lifecycle. The circle along with the oval is readily found in nature with the sun, moon, and earth, not to mention fruit and flowers.
Circles have a free sense of movement — wheels, balls, merry-go-rounds. Their movement may also represent power and energy. Due to their curved lines, ovals and circle are graceful and complete. They give a sense of integrity and perfection. They are not used as much in design for spatial reasons, but this means that when they are used, they attract more attention than their right-angled counterparts. Circles are great shapes to represent The Innocent, The Caregiver, The Everyman.
Circles have been used for generations to represent unity. The wedding band for example is a worldwide symbol of commitment for marriage.
Some things that circles can represent:
- The Sun
- The Moon
- The Earth
- Any planet
- A ball
- An orange
- A ring or band
- A smiley face
- Buttons
What comes in your mind by seeing this ?
This is Vesica Piscis which looks like a Venn diagram, but has a much more profound meaning to it.
This shape is created by intersecting two circles of the same radius, where the center of each circle lies on the circumference of the other.
So let’s wrap up here!
Understanding the significance of shapes is necessary as it is the primary step. Utilizing shape implications consistently, subtly, and viably, at the side of all the other components of design, takes time and practice. So keep at it, refer to these standards as you work, and before you know it, your design’s genuine potential will begin to require shape.
The utilize of cool, inventive shapes can turn boring or plain designs into significant visuals that resound along with your gathering of people and bring them closer to your brand.
I hope you enjoy all you read as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks 😁
About me
Hey everyone, I am Jayesh Chouhan, an undergrad student at IIIT Allahabad. I am a member of the design wing at Geekhaven, IIIT Allahabad. I am passionate about design, graphic & motion design, and love to learn and explore the World of design. You can reach out to me on GitHub, LinkedIn , Instagram or Twitter!
