{"id":8130,"date":"2023-09-20T12:40:38","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T18:40:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/twprod.wpengine.com\/the-meaning-of-shapes-in-design\/"},"modified":"2024-03-10T13:57:48","modified_gmt":"2024-03-10T19:57:48","slug":"the-meaning-of-shapes-in-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tailwindapp.com\/blog\/the-meaning-of-shapes-in-design","title":{"rendered":"Shapes in Design 101: Definition and Meaning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Did you know that everything<\/em> in design has meaning \u2014 even the shapes you use? Design is a visual language that sends messages to your target audience \u2014 no words necessary \u2014 and even the shapes you use contribute to that message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, shape and form have been carrying meaning for centuries! 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s adding playful circles to the background of your latest social media post<\/a>, or designing a logo that matches your company’s personality, shape symbolism can help guide the choices you make when communicating with your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result? A clarified message that sparks an emotional connection and reaction \u2014 all without saying a word!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we\u2019re going over the three categories of shapes. We\u2019ll also talk about shape symbolism and the meaning of shapes in design. By the time you finish reading this article, you\u2019ll never look at a triangle or a square in quite the same way again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three Categories of Shape in Design<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shapes in design are categorized into three main types: geometric shapes, natural (or organic) shapes, and abstract shapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each of these three basic shapes groups and their meanings bring something very different to a design and suggest something subliminal about the brand or company using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the following sections, we\u2019ll define the three categories, and overview different shapes and their meaning and symbols in each!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geometric Shapes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You usually don\u2019t find a perfect circle or square in nature \u2014 that\u2019s what marks the difference between natural and geometric designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what do geometric shapes mean? The answer depends on the particular shape. Below, we\u2019ll discuss some common geometric shape meanings behind the most popular shapes you might see in design!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Triangles<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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To understand the triangle shape meaning, it helps to look at a triangle itself and how it\u2019s positioned. A triangle is stable when sitting on its base, and unstable when it is on its side or inverted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how it is positioned, a triangle represents stability and instability, an inherent tension throughout the design. It suggests action, movement, and in some cases aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Triangles in graphic design stimulate movement and help with progression and purpose. One of the most well-known examples? The \u201cPlay\u201d button! It\u2019s simply a triangle turned sideways, but it has a universal meaning: press to continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than establishment and stability, triangles suggest growth, progress, and movement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Squares and Rectangles<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Squares symbolize order, trust, stability, and being grounded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most familiar geometric shapes in design, squares and rectangles are used to organize and define a design, adding comforting structure along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the square represents might come across as boring, but it also inherently establishes trust and security in the viewer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Circles and Ovals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Circular shapes, oval shapes, and round shapes have meaning in graphic design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the triangle can be seen as masculine, circles are considered a more feminine shape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their rounded curves are graceful, feminine, and warm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are often used in graphic design to represent familiar objects like wheels, fruit, the sun, eggs, and more!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Organic Shapes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Organic, or natural, shapes in design are associated with nature. In other words, they often look similar to things found in nature like plants, animals, and rocks<\/strong>. They tend to be characterized by curving lines and a lack of symmetry. Unlike geometric shapes, organic shapes look far less solid and precise without stiff corners or straight lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organic shapes have meaning in design that may differ a little bit depending on the particular shape you\u2019re using. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you use a wave shape in your design, your viewer will probably associate it with freedom and flow<\/strong>. If you use a leaf or a flower shape, your design might evoke the feeling of nature and delicacy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abstract Shapes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you hear the term abstract shapes, you might think of abstract art and curving shapes that don\u2019t really look like anything in particular. You\u2019re probably thinking of organic shapes, which we covered above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a mistake many people make, because abstract shapes \u2014 and even abstract art \u2014 are all about interpretation. It doesn\u2019t actually matter if the abstract shape looks more organic or geometric; it\u2019s more about the process and the context behind it. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A good example of an abstract shape is an icon<\/strong>. For example, on our Tailwind dashboard there are several icons on the left navigation menu. These are all abstract shapes that reference what is in that menu tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can return to the home screen by clicking the symbol that looks like a home. You can create social media designs by clicking the paintbrush icon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Although abstract shapes often have geometric lines in them, they are abstract because they symbolize or reference something else that depends entirely on the context of their use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to learn more about the nuance of abstract shapes? The design of the Olympics pictograms can give you insight into this process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n