Shapes, Associations, and Object Relationships
Developed by Fritz Heider & Marianne Simmel in the 1940s, the Heider-Simmel test involves the study of interpersonal perception, specifically how people form judgements on the intensions of others. Using specific shapes, sizes, colors, and movement, this test breaks down the different elements humans use to understand visual narratives.
Cogitanian’s viewed this test and where asked questions afterwards, such as: What happened in the scene? Did you assign character traits to the shapes, and if so, what were they? What visual factors influenced your opinion? To watch the Heider-Simmel test and answer these questions yourself watch the video below.
As the class progressed, a slide show of a wide range of shapes were shown and the common associations attributed to them were discussed. Creating stories for each shape based off these associations was encouraged.
We then played with the idea that the placement and movement of visual elements can affect our perception of intention, even when applied to inanimate objects, by moving cutout shapes according to a series of action prompts (ex. fighting, hiding, jumping). This activity was repeated with the addition of a horizon line, to see if the information being conveyed would change with the addition of depth cues.
The final in-class exercise was designed to examine the dynamics of feeling language and shape relationships. By pairing two differing organic shapes with emotional prompts, the aim was to see if clear visual communication was achievable when using limited information.
Optional Homework: Using shapes and lines, create a symbol that represents you according to how you see yourself.
