Psychology of Shapes: How Shapes Affect Graphic Design

Geometric shapes are all around us.

A lifetime of viewing different shapes has had a deep impact on how we perceive them. As a result, they have the potential to trigger certain emotions and thoughts.

This is good news if you’re involved in any type of web or graphic design.

Every work of art is supposed to communicate something specific but in a subtle, non-verbal manner. And by understanding the psychology of shapes, you can use them in such a way that they support your message.

In contrast, a poor understanding of shape psychology can interfere with the clarity of your visual communication.

And the more difficult it is for people to understand what your design is communicating, the less engagement it will get.

So in this post, we’ll take a look at the most common geometric shapes, what they convey, and the best practices to use them effectively in your visual marketing strategy.

While each shape is unique, all of them rely on a shared understanding of our culture and what’s familiar to us in order to express ideas, steer our thoughts, or suggest a mood.

So what’s the right shape (or shapes) to use for your next brochure, poster, presentation, or infographic?

The following list of shapes, along with their attributes, will help guide your decision.

Squares and rectangles are among the most common geometric shapes that we are familiar with.

Rectangles and squares indicate familiarity, comfort, security, and a sense of peace.

Even when not in focus, they are used in almost every design as a base or a frame to give it a sense of stability. This is because the angles that form a square or rectangle depict a mathematical order.

Other concepts these shapes imply are immovability and weight. Like apartments and buildings, people expect squares to hold their ground.

When creating a mascot for your brand, for example, you can use a square or rectangle shape to make it appear firm, imposing, or heavy. That’s because the shape conveys reliability, strength, and trust.

This logo by *FranD, for example, makes use of a square head to convey the credibility of its teacher-like character.

Fleur by Judit Besze is another great example of creating contrast through square shapes and using the psychology of the shape to counter the unpredictable pattern of flowers.

While squares and rectangles suggest a sense of stillness and calm, triangle shapes are dynamic in nature. In shape psychology, they are used to indicate adventure, intensity, or getting somewhere.

For example, the triangular shapes in the poster design below signal unpredictability and energy.

When pointing down, triangles remind us of spearheads and sharp teeth, symbolizing conflict, instability, and danger.

When pointing up, they signal accomplishment and power. In fact, many ancient structures such as ziggurats and pyramids are triangular, giving the impression of reaching towards the Gods.

For this reason, triangles have been used in concepts associated with divine wisdom and the discovery of self. The three sharp points of a triangle symbolize the locking of energy inside to fuel the union of mind, spirit, and body.  

In addition, we habitually see triangles as a means to convey directions in road signs, compasses, maps, and other contexts.

The roundness of circles, ovals, and ellipses implies softness, flexibility, motion, and fluidity. These geometric shapes point to the idea of being on the move or that something is hard to pin down.

This is because they remind us of a ball or a wheel, along with celestial bodies that are always in motion, such as the sun, moon, and different planets. Take the design below, for example, which uses circular shapes to appeal to our unending quest for new discoveries.

Where squares convey weight and strength, circular shapes are fluffy and light, such as clouds or bubbles. The absence of any sharp edges also makes them look warm and friendly. For this reason, they are often used to introduce the people behind brands.  

Moreover, circles represent the concept of continuity and completeness. They symbolize the eternal whole because there is no beginning or end in circular constructions, which leads to their association with lofty ideas like karma or eternity.

There are plenty of shapes with more than four sides, but pentagons, hexagons, and octagons are among the most popular.

We see these shapes as part and parcel of our life and work routines, in the form of floor tiles, umbrellas, stop signs, beehives, and so on.

As a result, they are mainly associated with order, organization, and professionalism. No wonder they are used heavily in puzzles, presentations, and infographics.

The dimensions and complexity of these shapes also convey a grand, futuristic vibe. For this reason, we often see them used in science fiction literature and movies, along with landmark buildings.

So if your brand operates in niches related to science and technology, you can use these shapes in a variety of materials, including your logo.  

Abstract shapes are usually symbols and icons, which can mean different things to different segments or cultures.

The symbolism or references communicated by these shapes is not universal. Rather, it varies based on the specific context. The icons below are a good example.

If you’re a Bitcoin enthusiast, you’ll probably know each and every Bitcoin icon in the above image. Otherwise, not so much.

Similarly, a cross symbol, in some cultures, stands for the four seasons, while in others, it’s a symbol for sacrifice and crucifixion.  

In any case, use them sparingly in your infographics or other designs to emphasize a single idea or concept. Also, try to pair them with other shapes that further clarify your message. Using a lot of abstract shapes in isolation can confuse your target audience.

As noted above, geometric shapes are versatile communication devices that you must understand if you’re serious about crafting compelling designs. They help you convey the exact vibe and message that you have in mind.

Ignoring the psychology of shapes, on the other hand, will leave you with graphics and web pages that look good but don’t quite match your design goals. For this reason, it’s essential to know the type of shapes that can help achieve your vision and use them accordingly.

Of course, it will take some time, experience, and practice to get the hang of shape psychology. But that’s all the more reason to keep at it and refer to the pointers we have outlined above for ongoing guidance.

Before you know it, identifying the right shapes for your projects will start coming naturally!

Try Piktochart for free and get started with your visual communication projects right away.