Chapter 1
The math of the squircle
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Chapter 2
Steve Jobs and the rounded rectangle
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Chapter 3
Why our brains love squircles
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YOUR GOAL
Master of Why app icons are squircles
Ch 3 · Why our brains love squircles
steve App Icon Squircles
Zero sharp jumps, just a continuous flow, that smooth superellipse making the home screen glow.
steve The continuous curve of a squircle naturally directs the viewer's attention toward the center of the icon.
Fun Fact
Threatening shapes: Scientific studies show that human infants as young as eight months old prefer curved shapes over sharp, angular ones.
steve The central part of our retina is circular, making rounded shapes much easier for our eyes to scan naturally.
Glossary
squircle (noun)
A mathematical shape that is intermediate between a square and a circle. In 2013, Apple adopted this geometry for iOS 7 to ease visual tension from sharp corners.
A mathematical shape that is intermediate between a square and a circle. In 2013, Apple adopted this geometry for iOS 7 to ease visual tension from sharp corners.
Quiz
At what age do human infants begin showing a clear visual preference for curved shapes?
Quiz
Which part of the human brain registers a mild threat response when we see sharp corners?