Line & Shape
BackgroundLines and shape are visual cues that help lead the eye and activate knowledge. Lines can lead the eye into and out of an image. Those don't need to be straight lines nor do they need to be contiguous (can be implied - e.g. nails in a straight line) (Long, 2011).
ShapesShape is a form that represents something else. Shapes communicate meaning by activating our memory of items based on recognizable shapes of those objects.
Shape tends to add interest and focus to a scene, people can become the shapes in an image. People are a compelling shape. Meaning from minimal information: Humans are good at completing meaning with lines that represent the shapes of known objects. We can abstract meaning from minimal information. Simple geometric shapes can be the basis of an effective layout. Shapes are recognizable outlines that activate relevant meaning and can become powerful design tools.
Shape Closure An odd thing about our visual processing is that the shape does not have to be complete for us to infer closure of the object. There is a gestalt at work with shape that allows people to see parts as a whole. One of the classic experiments involved having people look at the following shapes (3) and infer understanding. The slideshow shows the shape and then the inferred objects. In the same way we can infer continuity:
Sometimes being able to see the whole when there really is parts is called the Gestalt as well.
SymbolsShapes with conventional or agreed upon meaning often are called symbols. These elements (3) can be used to communicate shared understandings.
Aside: notice how the symbol of a water droplet is articulated better with colour - if it wasn't blue the meaning might not be so readily apparent.
Pictures to SymbolsThere is a progression from images to pictures to shapes to symbols. Each getting more abstract. Japanese kanjis are an example of this. See the historical progression of the symbol for horse in the Japanese language (uma).
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PurposeGeometry can guide the eye or stimulate it to focus (Adams, 2013).
LinesLines are good at delineating information and can guide the eye of the viewer. For instance, the use of vertical and horizontal rules (dividing lines) can help divide information (see the lines on this web page between the references and the body copy. In addition, different weights of lines can be used to suggest hierarchy, amount or strength.
For instance, think about the meaning of simple lines, these can be used to communicate a host of different ideas based on the context:
Lines as directionalityLines can communicate the direction of flow. Items enhanced with arrow heads designate the direction. See the predator prey relationship depcted with arrows and other symbols in the following diagram (STELLA software).
Lines as MapsLines put together in a particular way can help with way-finding by communicating important topographical and directional information. In the map below the thin lines represent changes in elevation while the dark lines represent roads or trails.
Power of Lines and ShapeLines and shapes are useful tools to communicate a depth of understanding with minimal visual representation.
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References
Adams, Sean. (2013). Foundations of Layout and Composition, Lynda.com. retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Design-tutorials/Foundations-Layout-Composition/
Long, Ben. (2011). Foundations of photography: Composition. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Photography-Photo-Assignments-tutorials/Foundations-of-Photography-Composition/
Long, Ben. (2011). Foundations of photography: Composition. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Photography-Photo-Assignments-tutorials/Foundations-of-Photography-Composition/