Design elements - Form

Design elements - Form

About form

A form is a three-dimensional shape.

A form has:
height
length
depth.
Design elements - Form

Creating an illusion of form

In two-dimensional
design, an illusion of
three-dimensional
form can be created
using other elements
such as tone, line or
colour.
Design elements - Form

Qualities of form

Forms can have many

different qualities.
They are often
related to the lines
and shapes which
define the form.
Design elements - Form

Forms can be
rounded or angular.
Design elements - Form

Forms can be open

or closed.
Design elements - Form

Form can serve many design needs

Form can be used to represent:

objects
people
places
ideas
in a descriptive or symbolic way.
Design elements - Form

Forms can be used

to describe the
appearance of
three-dimensional
objects, for example
a guitar or a chair.
Design elements - Form

Form can communicate

Form can suggest:

emotions
feelings
ideas.
Design elements - Form

Closed forms can

suggest solidness
and stability.
Design elements - Form

Open forms can

suggest lightness
and movement.
Design elements - Form

Rounded forms
can remind us of
the natural world,
and can suggest a
feeling of growth
and flowing
movement.
Design elements - Form

Geometric forms can

remind us of the
constructed
environment and
suggest calmness,
strength and stability.
Design elements - Form

Angular forms can

appear sharp,
energetic and even
explosive.
Design elements - Form

Form can appeal to our senses

Form can create

spaces, visual effects
and patterns.
Design elements - Form

Form can be functional

Form can be
functional, for
example, a trolley
or a scooter.