PSYCHOLOGY OF SHAPES & SYMBOLS

PSYCHOLOGY OF SHAPES & SYMBOLS

Understanding The Psychology of Shapes

Every visual aspect can be perceived and analyzed based on its shape. When thinking about designing a house icon, the first thing that comes to mind is a rectangle with a triangle on top. That is the most fundamental interpretation of how it is received. Figures and forms have a profound influence on our perception and behavior. 'Psychology of forms' is the study of how shapes affect humans.

According to the 'psychology of shape,' each shape has a significance that influences our minds and reactions differently. Many ideas based on psychological exams characterize personality or mental state using forms. A person's preference for a specific form or figure can indicate their personality and character qualities. Similarly, fast responses to forms can reveal what is on the mind.

Meaning of Shapes

Circles, Ovals, and Ellipses

These shapes best represent the concept of eternity because they have no beginning or finish. The majority of cosmic objects, including the sun, moon, and earth, are arranged in a circle. Similarly, the ellipse is similar to the entire cosmos. That is why round shapes convey a sense of magic, mystery, and secrecy. Circles, unlike other forms, contain no angles, which makes them gentler and milder. Circles are commonly connected with wholeness, completion, and oneness. They can also represent the ego and the limitless. A circle can also indicate a cycle or a trip, and it is frequently used to symbolize the concept of "coming full circle" or achieving closure.

Common Meanings: Unity, Community, Wholeness, Completion, Oneness, Friendship, Stability, Feminine, Magic,  Mystery, Universe, Eternity, Coming Full Circle

Squares and Rectangles

These are the two most commonly utilized shapes. We see them several times each day. The majority of the things we use on a daily basis, such as our cellphones, walls, furniture, books, monitors, and so on, have square or rectangular shapes. The two designs' straight lines and 90° angles convey a sense of dependability and stability. People frequently link squares and rectangles with buildings because they provide a sense of confidence and authority. Squares and rectangles may also represent the physical world or the material realm. Square shapes can also symbolize the concept of being anchored and rooted.

Common Meanings: Stability, Equilibrium, Confidence, Strength, Courage, Efficiency, Security, Professionalism, Practicality, Reliability, Discipline

Triangles

Triangle is a lively, energetic, active, and forceful shape that symbolizes mobility and direction. Line placement automatically directs the eyes to the top of a triangle or in the same direction as its placement. However, triangles can have diverse meanings depending on their placement and position. An upright triangle conveys ideas of stability and balance, but a reversed triangle elicits sentiments of risk, instability, and uncertainty. Triangles are frequently connected with development, transformation, and mobility. They can also convey the concept of a journey or a road. Triangles can also depict emotion because the tip can be oriented up to represent happy emotions or down to signify bad feelings.

Common Meanings: Masculine, Stability, Development, Transformation, Mobility, Power, Law, Science, Balance, Excitement, Risk

Spirals

These shapes occur naturally, such as in shells and some flowers. Spirals are commonly associated with the circle of life and represent a journey or growth. In some civilizations, spirals symbolize wisdom or information. In today's society, spirals represent creativity and a fresh perspective.

Common Meanings: Birth, Growth, Evolution, Creativity, Calmness, Intelligence

Cross shapes

Crosses are seen as the cross point of divine energies. They represent the self and the interaction between vertical associations such as height and horizontal associations such rest. They can be used to suggest life, healing, faith, unity, hope, relationships, balance, and spirituality. Crosses are regarded as the meeting point of divine powers. They reflect the ego and the interaction of vertical and horizontal associations, such as height and rest. They can be used to represent life, healing, faith, unity, hope, relationships, harmony, and spirituality.

Common Meanings: Hope, Life, Faith, Relationships, Balance, Divinity, Healing, Harmony, Spirituality

Octagons

Octagons can indicate control and regulation, including self-control, emotional management, and boundary establishing. They can be used to investigate the concept of self-regulation and discipline. Common Meanings: Self-Control, Control, Boundaries, Discipline

Hexagons

Hexagons can symbolize balance, harmony, stability, and organization in a person's life. They can be used to investigate the concepts of balance and harmony in relationships, emotions, and thinking. Honeycomb structures are natural hexagonal formations that can be used to explore concepts of community, cooperation, and dependency.

Common Meanings: Balance, Stability, Harmony, Emotions, Thinking, Community, Cooperation, Dependency

Diamonds

Diamonds are commonly associated with clarity, sharpness, and precision. They might indicate the ability to see clearly and focus on what is vital. They can symbolize the ability to make difficult judgments and navigate through uncertainty or complexity. Diamonds can be a symbol of strength and tenacity, representing the ability to overcome obstacles and hardship. They can also signify prosperity and success.

Common Meanings: Clarity, Sharpness, Precision, Focus, Strength, Tenacity, Overcoming, Prosperity, Success

Spheres

Spheres are commonly connected with the universe, wholeness, and perfection. They can represent the concepts of totality, unity, and completeness, as well as infinity and the endlessness of the universe. They can also be used to investigate the concept of perfection and the desire for perfection in one's self, relationships, and life goals. Spheres can be seen as a symbol of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral harmony. They can also represent oneness and connection, or the idea that everything is related and interdependent.

Common Meanings: Universe, Wholeness, Perfection, Totality, Unity, Completeness, Infinity, Emotions, Cognitive, Harmony, Oneness

Cylinders

Cylinders are frequently connected with stability, equilibrium, and continuity. They can signify a solid foundation and the ability to maintain balance, as well as the concepts of continuity and evolution. They can also be used to investigate the concept of stability and balance in one's self, relationships, and life goals.

Common Meanings: Stability, Continuity, Equilibrium, Balance, Continuity, Evolution, Relationships, Goals

Star Shapes

Star shapes are frequently associated with the divine, the spiritual, and the desire for greater things. They can also symbolize hope, direction, and inspiration.They can reflect the concept of striving for something bigger, establishing goals and aspirations, following one's dreams, and setting and attaining goals. Common Meanings: Inspiration, Aspirations, Hope, Direction

Abstract Shapes

Abstract shapes are simplified representations of natural shapes and complex concepts. Abstract shapes are difficult to distinguish since they are often stylized, with just minor characteristics indicating what they are. They typically have more than one meaning, both direct and figurative. Designers employ abstract shapes to create logos and icons. Without the use of text, these shapes rapidly and effectively convey their meaning.

Common Meanings: Organization, Efficiency, Unique, Elaborate.

Natural Shapes

Everything made by Mother Nature has a distinct shape. Artists and designers draw inspiration from leaves, flowers, animals, trees, and other natural elements. Natural shapes have a clear meaning for the plants and animals they represent. Natural shapes evoke feelings of relaxation and harmony. In addition, each animal and plant has its own personality and characteristics. A rose is a flower linked with love and passion, but a lion represents pride and courage.

Common Meanings: Spontaneity, Originality, Balance, Organic