Squares, spheres, triangles, circles, and more. We see different shapes everywhere, every day. There’s way more to shapes than meets the eye when it comes to web design. Shapes In Web Design are powerful design elements that enable a brand to build its visual identity. Shapes also aid designers in organizing content in a visually appealing manner and in building users’ interest. Through shapes, designers can ensure the eyes are guided to the essential sections of a website. Moreover, shapes are an effective tool to communicate a brand’s vision, goals, identity and drive conversions. This article will explore various shapes, meanings, and feelings behind different shapes and how a web design company can use them to improve user engagement and decrease bounce rate.

Shapes In Web Design: Circles and ovals

Circles and ovals can be incorporated in any part of a web page – in the logo, call to action buttons, icons, thumbnails, etc. Circles represent infinity, movement, and harmony since they’re smooth and have no sharp angles. Circles make a page feel carefree and more youthful. 

Shapes In Web Design: Squares, Rectangles, and Grids

These are the most widely used shapes in any web design, primarily as a base or frame to simplify complex web designs. They are mainly used to organize information and elements within a page. They evoke a sense of balance, security, and reliability and are commonly used for navigation menus and call to action buttons.

Polygons (With More Than Four Sides)

Polygons are plane figures with at least three straight sides and angles, and typically five or more. These can be simple, regular, or irregular. Pentagons, hexagons, and octagons are the most commonly used polygons with more than four sides as they are the most versatile for creating graphics. These intricate geometric patterns can be used to keep the eyes busy and quickly capture the viewer’s attention.

Shapes In Web Design: Triangles and Zigzags

Triangles are powerful geometric shapes that signify motion and direction, and direct the viewer to a specific area of the page. They can convey opposing meanings, depending on their position. If a triangle is pointing up, it communicates power, stability, and energy. However, when it points down, it becomes unstable and can convey tension or conflict.

Diamonds or Rhombuses

Although seldomly used, these shapes give a contemporary look to web pages. Diamonds and rhombuses can be placed separately, or together, to make the overall design look and feel more vibrant and active.

Diagonals and Slanted Shapes

These shapes create movement and direction. They guide the viewers’ eyes from one point of the page to another. As a web designer, you can play with diagonals to create a sense of dynamism and encourage the user to explore the site.

Shapes In Web Design: Curves, Swooshes and Waves

Curves add a sense of fluidity to the website design, making the viewer feel calm and relaxed. As curves are smooth and flowy, they entice viewers to explore the page without pushing too much on the eyes. Web designers can use curves to make the interface look smart, stylish, and contemporary.

Spirals and Loops

These can be tricky to use. While they can embody perfection, composition and beauty, they can also evoke panic and mystery. Spirals and loops express growth, evolution and creativity. They provide a lot of motion to the website design and intrigue viewers to the site. 

Shapes In Web Design: Arrows

Arrows are mostly used to convey directions effectively. They assist the viewer in following a path of information from one part of your graphic to other. There are different styles and kinds of arrows. Bold, solid ones convey more strength, wavy arrows can give your design a playful touch, while concentric arrows can be used to showcase cycles and processes.

Emojis

In addition to these shapes, new shapes and symbols are also on a rise that say more with less, thereby enhancing the user experience. These new elements add personality to a brand and develop unique web designs that allow users to express themselves.

Emojis are text-sized pictures that convey a wide range of concepts, feelings and emotions. You can use them to make your website designs a bit more fun and frolic. These sort of designs very quickly appeal to users, especially the youth who prefer quick communication. Playful, colorful and straightforward emojis evoke a less formal tone. However, for emojis to really work, it is crucial to put them in the right context. Don’t overuse them, as it can put off your audience.

Shapes can help you create eye-catching and responsive websites, which create repeat users and enhance user experience. Understanding the moods, feelings and concepts behind shapes will surely help you pick the best shapes for your web design. And, if you still need some help, our team is happy to help.

You might be interested in understanding card design. Read here to know more about Card Design and is Concepts.