Design is a visual language that sends messages to your target audience – no words necessary – and even the shapes you use contribute to that message.
Visual language was
used for storytelling, guidance, and learning for early humans before spoken
language evolved and we continue to
understand messages relayed through visual communication to this day.
Shape symbolism can
help guide the choices you make when communicating with your audience.
THREE CATEGORIES OF SHAPE IN DESIGN
Shapes in design are
categorized into three main types –
1. geometric shapes,
2. natural (or organic) shapes, and
3. abstract shapes.
Geometric Shapes
Geometric shapes are
any shapes that are based on mathematical principles, such as triangles,
squares, circles, and polygons. Geometric shapes have clear, perfect edges that
are usually made with tools.
You usually don’t find
a perfect circle or square in nature – that’s what marks the difference between
natural and geometric designs.
So what do geometric
shapes mean? The answer depends on the particular shape. Below, we’ll discuss
some common geometric shape meanings behind the most popular shapes you might
see in design!
TRIANGLES
To understand the
triangle shape meaning. By the positioning of a triangle itself have a meaning.
Depending on how it is
positioned, a triangle represents stability and instability, an inherent
tension throughout the design. A triangle is stable when sitting on its base,
and unstable when it is on its side or inverted. Rather than establishment
and stability, triangles suggest growth, progress, and movement.
It suggests action,
movement, and in some cases aggression.
Triangles in graphic
design stimulate movement, progression and purpose. One of the most well-known
examples? The “Play” button! It’s simply a triangle turned sideways, but it has
a universal meaning – press to continue.
Squares and Rectangles
Squares symbolize
order, trust, stability, and being grounded.
One of the most
familiar geometric shapes in design, squares, and rectangles are used to
organize and define a design. The square represents might come across as
boring, but it also inherently establishes trust and security in the viewer.
CIRCLES
AND OVALS
Circular shapes, oval
shapes, and round shapes have meaning in graphic design.
While the triangle can
be seen as masculine, circles are considered a more feminine shape. Their
rounded curves are graceful, feminine, and warm.
They are often used in
graphic design to represent familiar objects like wheels, fruit, the sun, eggs,
and more!
ORGANIC SHAPES
Organic shapes have
meaning in design that may differ a little bit depending on the particular
shape you’re using.
ABSTRACT SHAPES
Abstract shapes – and
even abstract art, are all about interpretation. It doesn’t actually
matter if the abstract shape looks more organic or geometric – it’s more about
the process and the context behind it.
The Psychology of Shapes in Design
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 color. The combination of shapes and colors are various and hold
different meanings , moods purpose and
the message we want to convey..
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