In the world of design we can meet before our eyes different shapes and colors, but we do not always know the meaning of each of these elements, since depending on how they are placed or designed they can provide one meaning or another. When you walk out the door of your house, have you stopped to ask yourself what those shapes that surround us mean?
The stimuli that we observe through our senses throughout our lives have a characteristic in common and that is get stuck in our brain and be remembered.
Therefore, the question that arises is whether we can see all kinds of forms Is there a psychology of forms? Well, the answer is a resounding YES.
As we have commented, the shapes, which is one of the stimuli we were talking about, exert a certain influence on individuals. For this reason, when making any design, this must be present. form psychology.
The combination of shapes with other visual elements results in a composition to which an emotion is given, a message that is transmitted to the public and it is the public who, through their perception, gives said combination a positive or negative result.
In today's article we are going to delve into the psychology of forms in the world of graphic design and figure out that creative process to create a positive user experience.
What is the psychology of forms?
When a designer is presented with a project idea, he must take into account the forms that he is going to use, since, as we have said, each one of them has a different meaning behind it and the influence that it generates in each one of the people.
Each of the forms that we know today can be assigned a group of meanings, since they leave a direct imprint on our minds and on our way of behaving.
An example of this influence is when he tells us to draw the sun, the vast majority of us represent it in a circular way and around it straight lines symbolizing the sun's rays. Why do we associate that shape with that object?
To answer this question is the psychology of form, which is what tells us that each form is gives it a concept and it is this that remains anchored in our mind.
After many years of study and research By professionals, a meaning has finally been given to what each form makes us feel and in this article we are going to show it to you.
The meaning of geometric shapes
When we talk about forms, several thoughts can come to mind, and the first is that of geometric shapes, but you also have to think about organic and abstract shapes.
First of all we are going to know the meaning of geometric shapes. They are the first that come to mind and are built by regular patterns and are easy to remember.
Cuadrado
The squares or rectangles are two of the figures that we observe the most in our day to day. You just have to look around you, walls, television, doors, mobile... The right angles and the lines on which these figures are built transmit stability, masculinity, strength and robustness.
Triangle
The triangle represents the figure dynamic, evokes strength and vitality. When working with the triangle you have to take into account something very important and that is to make the decision in which direction to point them. Depending on where they point, it will give us one or another meaning. If we place the triangle in a vertical position, it does not lead to a feeling of balance, on the contrary, if we place it inverted, it causes us a feeling of risk, of caution.
Circle
It is one of the geometric figures most used in the world of design, along with its variants such as the oval and the ellipse.
The circle is associated with eternity because, as we already know, this figure has no beginning or end, and with that of unity. It transmits closer emotions since it lacks angles and peaks, unlike the previous forms mentioned. This absence that we were talking about helps to be captured and remembered more easily. It is usually associated with feelings of unity, perfection and movement.
Straight lines
If we said that the circle was one of the most used geometric figures in the world of design, the use of the straight line is at the same level.
Depending on the use of the lines we can create one message or another. If we find the lines inclined, they provoke a feeling of speed, of movement. On the other hand, if we see them in a horizontal position, they will give a feeling of calm, of confidence. And finally, if we observe them in a vertical position, it creates energy, which can make it more striking, and evoke balance.
Spirals
They are not usually seen continuously in the world of design, but when they do, it is to represent the nature. They are related to the growth of life and evolution.
Cross
The cross is synonymous with hope and divinity. They can also be used to send a message of opposition or rejection. They suggest feelings of health, relationships, spirituality, and hope.
Hexagon
It is not one of the forms that are used most frequently in the world of design, but when they appear they add meaning to synergy, wisdom and intelligence.
The meaning of other forms: organic and abstract
Once we know and differentiate the geometric figures, we are going to define what organic and abstract figures are.
First organic figures are what we know as natural forms. These have inspired the different artists, illustrators and designers of today. It has a meaning that is to clearly represent an object and thereby provide freshness and unity.
As for the abstract shapes are symbols or shapes that conceptualize abstract ideas. It can reach a point where an idea represented in an abstract way is not recognized, so when working with these forms, only represent the main thing.
Psychology of form in graphic design
As we have been commenting throughout the article the psychology of form in graphic design is key since these (the designers) are visual communicators. They communicate through the image and composition they are designing, they have to be very clear about the values and feelings they want to convey in their work, since there are many factors that can influence the perception of individuals.
A logo is key for any company, it has to deliver and get the message across that this company has behind. For this, the study and the correct choice of forms for its design is very important.
It is also very considerable to take into account the psychology of the way in the world of the typography. As we all know, there are innumerable typographic fonts classified as: serif, sans-serif, handwritten and decorative.
As we have said, the forms depending on how they are used have one meaning or another, since the same thing happens with typography and to know these meanings it is necessary to analyze the shapes of their characters, if they are with more geometric or more organic shapes, more straight or curved, etc. It is essential that the most predominant forms in the typography that we select be taken into account, so when we select one, it benefits the message and visual communication.
The use of psychology of form in graphic design is a must to create appeal, keep it simple, don't use too many shapes, play with shapes and meanings but always with control.