Design Skills | The Psychology and Perceptions of Forms and Shapes

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Whether in 2D or 3D design, shapes and forms greatly affect our subconscious and are used to great effect by designers in order to convey the right messages. This page highlights words, feelings and moods associated with shapes:

Circular shape:

Tenderness - Love - Friendship - Care - Support - Protection - Affection - Compassion.

Curves and circular shapes - Click on the thumbnail to open a larger image

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Squares, rectangles, pyramids:

Stability - Strength - Power - Balance - Reliability

Squares, rectangles, pyramids - Click on the thumbnail to open a larger image

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Vertical shapes and lines:

Strength - Masculinity - Power - Aggression - Courage - Brutality - Dominate - Menacing

Vertical shapes and lines - Click on the thumbnail to open a larger image

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Horizontal lines:

Tranquillity - Feminine - Calm - Rest - Weak - Peaceful - Composed - Silent - Still - Non menacing

Horizontal lines - Click on the thumbnail to open a larger image

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Soft curves:

Rhythm - Movement - Happiness - Pleasure - Generosity - Femininity

Soft curves - Click on the thumbnail to open a larger image

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Sharp angled lines:

Energy - Lively - Young - Explosive - Violent - Anger - Rapidity - Dynamic - Movement

Sharp angled lines - Click on the thumbnail to open a larger image

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Design Principles

> Design Principles Guidelines> The Psychology of Forms > Graphic Composition > The Design Process > Using Colour > Using Light