Psychology of
Sh pe
The human brain is wired to assign meaning to certain shapes and figures. The psychology of shape explores this by assigning specific meanings to specific shapes. Designers can utilize this tool so that their designs the desired effect on the viewer.
Learn the meaning of these shapes/lines:
Squares & Rectangles
Feelings typically associated with shape:
Power/security/perfection/stability/order/trust/masculinity
Security/Trust/Reliability
Security/ Stability/ Perfection
Power/Masculinity
Order/Power/Reliability
Circles & Ovals
Feelings typically associated with shape:
Eternity/ magic/ mystery/ friendship/ love/ femininity
Inclusive/Friendship/Togetherness
Mystery/Magic/Eternity
Femininity/Love
Connection/ Global
Triangles
Feelings typically associated with shape:
Movement/direction/speed/energy/ stability OR Instability
Movement/Direction/Action
Stability/Speed/Power/Energy
Risk/Uncertainty/Femininity
Organic Shapes/Icons
Feelings typically associated with shape:
Association with what they symbolize- more obvious
Lightning bolt: Energy/Power
Puma: Speed/Agility
Leaf: Nature/Organic
Dove: Purity/Beauty
Horizontal Lines
Feelings typically associated with shape:
Community, tranquility, calm, motion, speed
​
Motion/Speed
Stability/Calm
Equality/Community
Vertical Lines
Feelings typically associated with line:
Masculinity/ strength/ aggression/innovation/reliability (versatile)
Innovative/Bold/Reliable
Versatile: Represents Window/building
Strength/Aggresion
Spirals
Feelings typically associated with line:
growth/ nature/ creativity / flow/ unique
​
Natural/Growth/Organic
Nature/unique/flow
**Icon present** Tree: life/growth
Natural/Creative/Organic
Adidas
Overall feeling: Simplicity, quality, strength, perseverance, Inclusion
Horizontal Line: Motion/Speed/Community
Circle: GLOBAL collaboration
