Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
It is what it appears to be. Make decisions about forms based on their appearance rather than on
intended effect or, worse, measurements. Form is optically deceptive and so must be judged ac-
cording to what it looks like; this is all the viewer will have to go on as well. In this example, the
three shapes—circle, square, and triangle—are first shown being mathematically the same height
(top). You'll notice that the square appears larger than both the circle and the triangle. So, for all
intents and purposes, it is. This optical illusion is a function of how our brains interpret rounded,
angular, and square images relative to each other (see
Geometric Form,
page 54). If the goal here
is to make all three shapes appear to be the same size, the circle and the triangle must be adjusted
in size until they do (bottom). Only when all three shapes appear to be the same size are they really
the same size—as far as the viewer is concerned.
Seeing Form and Space
Categories of Form
Putting Stuff Into Space
Compositional Strategies
A Foundation for Meaning
