Rounded form language

Rounded ends and smooth curves soften the form.

Visual traits

• Rounded ends
• Smooth curves

Expected changes

• Sharp corners are more likely to decrease
• Arcs and swelling volumes are more likely to increase

Definition

Builds form by softening sharp corners and using arcs and swelling volumes. Subject, representational level, medium, and composition are separate choices.

In more detail

Continuous curved surfaces and rounded ends create a soft impression. Color, texture, and detail amount can be adjusted separately.

Includes

• Forms based on rounded ends, arcs, and swelling volumes

Excludes

• A particular emotion or subject
• A particular art style or representational level
• Organic irregularity itself

What this does not imply

• A particular emotion, subject, or art style
• Representational level
• Organic irregularity

Variability

Roundness can range from slight corner treatment to large swelling volumes.

Usage

• Specify only form roundness
• Specify subject and representational level separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Distinguish it from organic irregularity

Typical uses

• Reduce angularity
• Create soft silhouettes

Possible failure modes

• Sharp corners remain
• Everything becomes circular and distinctions disappear