Formal Aspects

All visual elements/objects are made up of shapes. Shape is the perceived visible surface boundary of a visual element/object. It is defined by its contour/outline/edge.

Shapes can also be seen as an area enclosed by a line or an area enclosed by other shapes.

Enclosing shape with surrounding shapes can create positive and negative spaces (also known as figure and ground). So, shapes can be either inner or outer surfaces.

Simple shapes can be combined to form complex shapes.

A shape can be any of these:
- organic or geometric,
- realistic or abstract,
- complex or simple,
- dynamic or static,
- free or structured.

Semantic Aspects

The identity of an element/object is most often perceived through its shape.

Shapes denote contour, edge, outline, area or enclosure

Shapes can convey strong meanings. Shapes can be masculine or feminine, violent or calm, light or heavy, friendly or hostile, progressive or regressive, and so on.

Practical Aspects

Shape can represent objects.
Shape can be used to create identity for an organisation. The shape variations can be used to create unique forms.