What makes a design great? Since ancient times, the search for visual perfection and harmony has been a constant in the history of art and design.
One of the most fascinating and effective tools for achieving this perfection is the golden ratio, a mathematical proportion that generates compositions that are naturally pleasing to the human eye.
In this article, we will explore the concept of the golden ratio, its applications in design and provide practical examples of how to use it as a tool in the composition of visually balanced projects with strong aesthetic appeal.
What is the golden ratio?
The golden ratio has been used throughout history by philosophers, architects and desi statistics of worldwide viber users gners to create attractive and harmonious compositions . Some historical examples are the Parthenon in Greece and the Pyramids in Egypt. In both, architects took advantage of this ratio to create balance between the structural elements.
This ratio is derived from the Fibonacci sequence , a natural series of numbers that can be found in many elements of nature, from the number of petals on a flower to the shape of a seashell.
Explanation of the golden ratio (1:1.618)
The golden ratio, also known as the golden proportion, golden number or divine proportion , is a special number that equals approximately 1.618, often represented by the Greek letter phi (ϕ).
The proportion comes from the Fibonacci sequence, a natural sequence of numbers that are always the result of adding the two previous numbers together. That is: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 and so on, to infinity.
From this pattern, the Greeks developed the golden ratio in order to better express the difference between any two numbers in the sequence.
How to calculate the golden ratio?
The golden ratio is calculated by dividing a line into two parts, so that the larger part (a) divided by the smaller part (b) is equal to the sum of (a) + (b) divided by (a), resulting in the value of 1.618.
This formula can be a great ally in creating shapes, logos, layouts and much more!
The reason for the popularity of the golden ratio is the belief that it is natural and creates an aesthetically pleasing balance for the viewer.
Just like in Architecture, in the world of product design, we can take advantage of the golden ratio to create website layouts that are visually pleasing and easy for users to navigate.
By strategically using the golden ratio in design, you can:
establish a sense of hierarchy;
guide the visitor's gaze;
create a balanced and effortless user experience.
Practical applications of the golden ratio in digital product design
The golden ratio has been widely used in design and can be applied at various stages of a project, from brand creation to the final product. The goal is always the same: to create an aesthetically pleasing experience for the end user .
Below, you can check out some ways to apply the golden ratio to your projects.
Typography and hierarchy definition
The golden ratio can be extremely useful in defining visual hierarchy and font sizes in a design. It can help you figure out what font size to use for titles and text on a website, app, sales page, and even printed communication.
Let’s say your body text font is 12px. Multiplying 12 by 1.618 gives you 19.416. This means that a 19px or 20px font would follow the golden ratio, making it balanced with the 12px body font.
If you want to figure out how big your body text should be, you can do it the opposite way. If your title is 25px, you can divide it by 1.618 to find the body text (15 or 16px).
Image cropping and resizing
When cropping images, it’s easy to identify the white spaces that need to be removed. But how do you ensure that the image is still balanced after resizing it?
You can use the “golden spiral,” based on the golden ratio, as a guide for composition. By superimposing the golden spiral on an image, you ensure that the focal point is in the center , in the middle of the spiral.
Distribution of content on the page
Another possible application is in the user interface. By using it, you can create more attractive pages, drawing the user's attention to what is most important.
For example, a page that highlights a wide block of content on the left with a narrower column on the right can follow the proportions of the golden ratio and help you decide where to place your most important content .
Logo creation
Many famous logos, such as those of X (formerly Twitter), Warner Bros. Toyota, and Pepsi , follow the golden ratio. When designing a new logo, using this ratio can help create visually appealing and pleasing compositions.
Tools and techniques for applying the golden ratio in design
Contrary to what your math teacher told you in school, you won’t need to use a pencil and paper every time you want to calculate the golden ratio. Today, there are several apps and software that can do it for you.
Check out 4 tools below that will help you apply the golden ratio to your designs.
1. Golden Ratio Calculator
Calculates the exact measurements so that your design has the perfect proportions, saving you time and effort.
2. Golden Ratio Typography Calculator
It tells you the perfect typography for your website, considering the font size and width. Your configuration can be based on font size, line height, width and characters per line.
3. PhiMatrix
Golden ratio analysis and design software with customizable grids and templates to overlay on any image. Can be used in design and composition, product design, logo development, and many other applications
4. Golden Ratio Sketch Feature
Free Sketch file with the golden spiral to help with the composition of images and layouts.
What are the challenges when using the golden ratio?
Understanding and practice: The golden ratio, like other mathematical tools, requires understanding and practice to be effective. To obtain harmonious results, however, it is important to understand how to apply it correctly;
Limitations: Not all projects can be derived from the golden ratio. It is important to evaluate whether the project needs allow the use of the ratio, and not to force it in a context where it is not necessary;
Integration with other tools: The golden ratio can be useful in combination with other design tools, such as grids and layouts. It is important to know how it integrates with these tools to obtain good results;
Design psychology: The golden ratio can also have a psychological impact on viewers. Therefore, it is important to consider how it can influence the perception of design, and not just use it as a technical tool.
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