Why Technology Loves Rounded Rectangles: They're Easier on the Eye

Posted by Queuebot in Science & Tech on August 5, 2009 at 2:20 am


Ever wonder why so many tech gadgets, OS windows and images all have rounded corners?  It may be more than just visual appeal.  The rounded corners may make things easier on the eye!

Nänni confirmed my theory: “You are absolutely right. A rectangle with sharp edges takes indeed a little bit more cognitive visible effort than for example an ellipse of the same size. Our “fovea-eye” is even faster in recording a circle. Edges involve additional neuronal image tools. The process is therefore slowed down.”

Professor Nänni is saying that rounded rectangles are literally easier on the eye. Put another way, compared to square-edged rectangles, rounded rectangles are more computationally efficient for the human brain. To me, this is a revelation. An idea that at the very least demands more investigation.

Link – via twitter

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Lee.


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11 comments to "Why Technology Loves Rounded Rectangles: They're Easier on the Eye"

  1. Gauldar
    August 5th, 2009 at 2:20 am

    That's why women didn't evolve square breasts, so men don't get distracted as long as normal.

  2. Joe
    August 5th, 2009 at 4:01 am

    "Technology" loves them? Actually, Steve Jobs loves them. He insisted, against the wishes of the developers of the first Mac OS, that rounded rectangles be included as basic objects.

    Ironically, they didn't want to put them in because of the computational expense of drawing them, but Jobs insisted. He had a good instinct for these things…

  3. Skipweasel
    August 5th, 2009 at 4:09 am

    More than visual appeal, easier on the eye?
    Aren't they much the same thing anyway?

  4. Mytake
    August 5th, 2009 at 4:44 am

    It's also more organic and, obviously, less blunt therefore less dangerous.

  5. Paavo Ojala
    August 5th, 2009 at 6:42 am

    This doesn't go well in finnish. Nänni means nipple in finnish. So when Professor Nipple says that round shapes are more pleasing to the eyes you'd better check the source.

    Jürg Nänni is probably a joke name.

  6. vmos
    August 5th, 2009 at 7:28 am

    talk about over complicating something.

    Objects with sharp corners are more likely to damage things and be damaged themselves.

    simple

  7. A Noun
    August 5th, 2009 at 9:55 am

    Oh how ridiculous. The corners are rounded because rounded corners are harder to chip than pointy ones.

    Did someone get another one of those stupidity grants?

  8. CreamKreator
    August 5th, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I was alos sceptical about Prof Nipple (Nänni in Finnish) but he's actually deutch and has a "google-proof-of-existence" so maybe this one is genuine.

  9. Kalel
    August 5th, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    We are squares in a circular argument of buttons and other pressing matters.

  10. ted
    August 5th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    Dr Nipples? That's MY doctor!

  11. Guest
    August 7th, 2009 at 4:19 am

    Whats 'deutch'?


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