CHARACTER SHAPE AND VISCERAL RESPONSE : Can a figure’s shape alone generate a reaction regarding it’s nature?

• Main Author: Jensen, Veronica
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för informationsteknologi 2015
• Subjects: Visceral; Character design; Shape language
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-11129

This study examines shape language when used in figures representing humanoid creatures and how a viewer can be manipulated by shape language to feel a certain way about a figure. The study focuses on good versus evil expression and how one can utilise shape to knowingly give cues about a figures alignment or how to mislead the viewer if so desired. Focus is on visceral emotion connected to sharp and soft shapes and asymmetrical or symmetrical features, but it is revealed that its use in character design may be a cultural convention rather than something hard-wired in our brains from years of natural selection and experiences tied to our subconscious visceral response.