Psychological Meaning Of Logo Shapes

Have you ever looked at a logo and instantly got a hint instead of being nameless? This is because logos have meanings that convey their message. Their design has a positive impact.
This is no big secret that successful businesses choose a robust logo design to represent their brand. Similar to the selection of color themes that represent the business, logo shapes are also an important aspect.
It may seem like an easy task to create a logo. However, it is a work of expertise and knowledge. Creating a meaningful logo requires much more than choosing a color and style.
There are multiple elements that a designer takes into account when making a logo that do well with the audience. Eventually making the increase in demand for graphic designers in industry.
Why are shapes important?
Our brains are prone to pick a shape and memorize them as a convenient way to learn them. Therefore, bold shapes are easy to remember and have a lasting impression.
We revolve around different patterns in the environment. Whether it’s the shapes and fonts, or any design, we have this nature of attaching meanings to them.
Perhaps, choosing a shape for a logo design can have a psychological effect on the person viewing it. Therefore, it helps to have an emotional connection between the brand and the customer.
It is vital to understand the message or idea your brand is conveying and make an effort to incorporate them in the design effectively.
Effect of logo shapes
With the right selection of shapes and designs, you can use your logo shapes to:
- Symbolize different ideas
- Interact with emotions and moods of customer
- Build trust and professionalism
- Present a sense of depth
Psychology of shapes
So, how can we learn about the psychology of shapes? What is the secret recipe behind different shapes used by businesses to create a bond with people?
Well, let’s dig into the shapes that you can understand before you choose one for your business logo.
1. Circles
Circle logos represent a symbol of stability and collaboration. Around 20% of the most famous brands use this shape in their logo design.
However, they can also portray the impression of perpetuity and persistence, since the shape is commonly linked with planets and time, etc.
We see circle-shaped logos in our daily lives across different industries, from car companies to clothing industries. When you use a circle logo, you convey the message of:
If you intend to present a sense of togetherness for your brand as well, why not this shape?
2. Squares and Rectangles
Squares and rectangles are sharp and blunt shapes, perhaps they promote boldness and balance.
Rectangles are symbols to present the reliability and robustness of a brand. They are often seen associated with the sense of safety and home. These objects are a great idea of strength and reliability.
Squares, on the other hand, have an impact on the confidence of the brand promoting a sense of security and trust. Companies like Dropbox use this shape that encourages the users to drop files and they protect them.
So, if your business is security-sensitive or deals in building customer trust, then this is the shape you should use.
3. Triangles
Similar to squares, triangles also have a combination of sharp angles and straight lines. They also deliver a similar sort of message.
As compared to squares and rectangles, triangles are edgier and perhaps are often considered a symbol of power and energy.
However, the placement of triangles can affect the meaning of the logo. If placed upwards, they represent stability and momentum. Triangles pointed downwards, are likely to represent more feminine characteristics.
Additionally, their direction on one side usually shows movement and action, such as the YouTube logo. On the other hand, triangle-shaped logos are quite famous in two different fields; science and religion.
You can consider using this shape if your brand is science-related or if you want to show your brand as a symbol of a mystical logo.
4. Abstract shapes
Abstract shapes are quite different from all other shapes. They refer to a more fun category and challenge the concept of normal shape. These shapes are more identifiable that carry deep layers of meaning within them.
They are often a representation of a particular idea or feeling rather than the product itself. Through using symmetrical lines, or geometric shapes of real-world objects, they create meaning.
For instance, the Nike logo signifies speed and motivation. However, it could be a simple checkmark, but the use of abstract shapes highlighted the true idea.
Abstract shapes can be tricky and amend the message you want to deliver. So, be selective and clear about your idea and then opt for abstract shape,
5. Spirals
These shapes might be not so common, but then they also provide a sense of uniqueness and twist. Spirals are a source of fascination as they make you feel calm and hypnotic.
Perhaps, spirals are usually used to show that your brand is different from others and you think out of the box. So, your business can convey the message of innovation and creativity.
If you have a business related to tech, wellness, or spas, you can use the spiral shape as a part of your logo design.
Conclusion
To conclude, different logo shapes have a different impact on the idea of the brand that they tend to show. It’s the psychological meaning behind different logos that make you remember their identity.
Depending on the brand and type of business you have, you can study and choose the shape accordingly. For instance, you can consider the concept of round logo ideas for your brand, if you mean to connect with customers.
Or perhaps, you can get creative and choose something like spiral shapes to deliver an innovative idea.
Whichever shape and design you opt for, make sure it’s relatable to your brand and eye-catching.