Shapes can be defined by an enclosed area with boundaries. Simple shapes are more memorable than complex ones. Actual shapes differ from implied shapes. Shape and repetition/patterns as well as overlapping, transparency, and spatial illusions can be used. The figure/ground relationship looks at what is in front versus behind. Shapes can interact through detachment, touching, overlapping through union or subtraction, intersection, and penetration. Design can also incorporate letterforms.

1. Designing With Shape

2. Shape defined
• a area enclosed by a line or edge, has a
defined boundary due to contrast in value,
color, or texture
• a simple shape is more memorable and
understood than a complex

4. Actual vs Implied
Shapes

5. Shape and Repetition/ Pattern

6. Jim Flora
Overlapping, Transparency

7. Shape and Spatial Illusion

8. Figure/Ground
figure ground figure/ground

9. The F/G relationship

10. The F/G relationship
Obvious Ambiguous

11. The F/G relationship
Obvious Ambiguous

12. The F/G relationship
Obvious Ambiguous

13. How Shapes Interact
1.Detachment-
2 forms remain separate (but may be very close)
we see both forms entirely

14. 2. Touching (Kissing)-
2 forms just barely touch, we still see both form entirely
How Shapes Interact

15. 3. Overlapping-
2 forms cross over each other resulting in either Union (2
forms create one larger form) or Subtraction (one form
covers or subtracts the other form)
Union
Subtraction
How Shapes Interact

16. Subtraction

17. 4. Intersection-
2 forms overlap, but only the portion where the 2 forms
cross over is visible, this creates a new smaller form
How Shapes Interact

18. 5. Penetration-
2 solid forms overlap, the portion where the 2 forms cross
over is transparent
How Shapes Interact

19. Design with Letterforms

20. Design with Letterforms