About
Have you ever stopped to wonder why different shapes catch our eye and evoke a certain feeling?
Psychology
Of Shapes
Understanding the Psychology of Shapes
It is possible to perceive and analyse every visual element in terms of shape. If you wish to design a house icon, the instant thought is a rectangle with a triangle on the top. That’s the most basic way of how it is perceived. Figures and shapes have a significant impact on our awareness and conduct. ‘Psychology of shapes’ is the science studying the influence of shapes on people. ‘Psychology of shape’ suggests that every shape has a meaning attached to it, which influences our mind and reactions differently.
There are many theories based on psychological tests which define the personality or mental state through shapes. A person’s liking towards a particular shape or figure can reveal their personality and character traits. Similarly, quick response to shapes can tell what’s on the mind. Research and tests conducted over the years have helped professionals to establish meanings of each shape and how it can influence human perception.
Squares And Rectangles
Rectangles and squares indicate familiarity, comfort, security, and a sense of peace. Even when not in focus, they are used in almost every design as a base or a frame to give it a sense of stability. This is because the angles that form a square or rectangle depict a mathematical order. People like them because they’re simple, balanced, solid, and secure. The square’s positive attributes aren’t just limited to physical entities; it also works well in adding emotional and aesthetic layers to images. Its lines and angles make it perfect for framing a scene in a photo.
Triangles
Triangle is an energetic and dynamic shape that is always associated with motion and direction. The lines are placed that way so our eyes automatically move to the top of a triangle or in the direction it is placed. Triangles can have different meanings. An upright triangle brings feelings of stability and balance but the reversed one looks risky and ready to fall giving people a sense of tense. Usually viewers will see to the top of the triangle shape automatically, If triangles are facing left or right, it represents progression: either forwards in the sense of moving onward, or backwards in the sense of backtracking or dwelling in the past. Consider the iconic “play” button for videos.
Circles
The first and foremost meaning of this shape is the eternity since they have no beginning or end. The circle has a long association with the sun and Earth as well as other cosmic objects while ellipse is similar to the whole universe. That’s why round shapes may give the feeling of magic and mystery. In addition, unlike the previous shapes circles don’t have angles so it makes them softer and milder. Rounded shapes tend to lean towards feelings of community and the more social aspects of life – hence ‘circle of friends’ or ‘social circle’. Circles can also be used to create feelings of protection and perfection by appearing bubble-like and without harsh edges.
Abstarct
With abstract shapes the individual aspects you use retain their symbolism from their original shapes. It will be a visual symbol that can be abstract ideas or simplified versions of an organic shape, in some cases abstract shape can be difficult to associate with some ideas due to their abstract anatomy, and in some cases, the idea is behind a small detail of the shape. What that means is, if you use the top half of a circle and the bottom half of a square, you will create an abstract shape that exhibits both the playful features of a circle and the serious features of a square. They mostly have more than one meaning – direct and figurative. Designers use abstract shapes to design logos and icons. These shapes quickly and powerfully convey the message, without text.
Aim
Educating designers about the psychology of shapes because shapes can have a significant impact on how people perceive and respond to visual information. By understanding the psychological effects of different shapes, designers can make informed decisions about which shapes to use in their designs to achieve their desired goals. Additionally, understanding the psychology of shapes can help designers create more effective and engaging designs for their target audience. Different shapes may have different cultural or contextual \meanings, and designers need to be aware of these nuances in order to create designs that resonate with their audience and communicate their intended message effectively.
Target Audience
The target audience is likely to be designers, artists, and other creatives who are interested in understanding the impact that different shapes can have on human psychology and behavior. This audience may include professionals in the design field, such as graphic designers, web designers, product designers, and architects, as well as students and educators in these fields. Additionally, individuals who work in fields such as marketing, advertising, and branding also be interested in learning about the psychology of shapes. Also audience may include individuals with an interest in art, design, psychology, or neuroscience, regardless of age, gender, or occupation.
