Everything You Need to Know About Golden Ratio
Concept
The Golden ratio is a mathematical expression that is seen in nature and creates visually pleasant outputs when incorporated in designs. It has applications in varied fields. It might seem difficult to understand golden ratio when coming across all the mathematical expressions and geometry, but Golden ratio is the simplest principle that exists everywhere in nature.
Aspects
There are various aspects of golden ratio. It can be witnessed in design, mathematics, nature, fine arts, photography and what not!
i)Beauty
Golden ratio in beauty. Image source: Medi-sculpt clinic
Ever seen a beautiful human face or an amazing scenery? That is all because of the golden ratio. Most of the natural elements are based on golden ratio. This is why our focus is easily attracted towards these elements.
ii) Mathematical Expression
1.618! This is a number behind all visually attractive elements existing naturally or created by humans in this universe.
iii) Drawing
Golden ratio. Image Source: GeeksforGeeks.com
Golden ratio exists when a line is divided into two parts a and b, a divided by b is equal to the sum of a and b divided by a and both of these are equal to 1.618. In this, a is the longer part and b is the smaller part. It can be applied in shapes too which can be explained using the fibonacci series. In a rectangle the ratio of sides must be in the ratio 1.618:1.
iv) Fibonacci
Fibonacci series. Image source: Elegant themes
The fibonacci sequence is 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144… and so on. The rectangle can also be created with the square of sizes in the fibonacci series. This can similarly be applied in circles too.
V) Application
Golden ratio can be useful when creating a grid for a layout, finding the perfect cutout for a photo, or resizing the font hierarchy when viewing content. The proportion, size and location of one element compared to another creates a sense of harmony that attracts our subconscious. Overall, it's an interesting way of looking at great design through a mathematical lens, and we find it fascinating to see where and how it's used in the world around us.
vi) Nature
Golden ratio in Nature. Image source: Design wizard
The very first origin of the golden ratio is nature. Golden ratio can be witnessed everywhere in nature. It is present in water waves, leaves, honey bees, snowflakes, aquatic organisms and the human body and face. This is the reason behind the serenity of nature. The simple formula of golden ratio is applied in our everyday lives.
The golden ratio is referred to as omnipresent due to its abundance in nature. For example, the number of petals on a flower is usually a Fibonacci number. Sunflower and pineapple seeds spin in opposite spirals of Fibonacci numbers. Even the sides of an unpeeled banana are usually a Fibonacci number, and the number of ridges on a peeled banana is usually a larger Fibonacci number.
Vii) Layout
Golden ratio in page layout. Image source: Design shack.com
While deciding the page layout for any design, golden ratio plays an important role. To get the dimensions of the layout, divide the width of required layout by 1.618 and you will obtain the height of the layout. The output layout will be proportionate and display harmony.
Viii) Graphic Design
Content placement. Image source: Wpamelia.com
Graphic designing involves logo design, social media post designing, posters, banners and other visual communication tools. It is very crucial that these graphic images are catchy and impressive. Designing the graphics following the golden ratio helps to produce high-end outputs that are visually attractive. This involves placement of images and text, finalising positive and negative spaces and decision of sizes of images and text.
Various famous company logos have been designed on this principle, for example, pepsi, apple, twitter. There’s no doubt that these logos are recognised by numerous people around the world. The center of the spiral is where the human eye is naturally drawn. Therefore most of the details of the design must be focussed on the center of the spiral.
IX) Architecture
Golden ratio in Architecture. Image Source: Thearchinsider.com
Historical monuments and buildings evidently show the use of golden ratio in their designing process. The Parthenon, Taj Mahal, Notre Dame, Toronto’s CN Tower and many more iconic buildings have been designed on the basic principle of the golden ratio.It has been around 4000 years, golden ratio is being implemented in building design. Architects and designers were well aware of this exceptional design principle.
Golden ratio has been not only used for aesthetics but also to structurally support the buildings. It has been used to place the columns in floor plans, to decide the width, height ratio of buildings and size of rooms.
X) Typography
Heading and body text ratio. Image source: Isotoop.com
Golden ratio can be used in deciding the appropriate font sizes for graphics. We all must have seen graphics with fonts that are visually pleasing and appear to be perfect. The trick behind obtaining perfect font sizes is that the font size of the body text must be multiplied by 1.618 to obtain the heading font size. So next time when you are developing textual content, make sure to follow this simple trick to produce amazing articles!
Xi) 3D Form
The golden ratio exists in 3d forms in tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron and icosahedron. The golden ratio in these forms are in the terms of coordinates and sections. In the case of octahedron, dodecahedron and icosahedron, if we join the midpoints of their faces, we obtain rectangles in the golden ratio. It can also be seen if a cube is adjusted inside the dodecahedron. In this case, the diagonal is 1.618 times the side of the dodecahedron and the sides of the cube and dodecahedron are also in the golden ratio.
In order to master how 3D works, it’s important to learn 3D modeling software. When you familiarize yourself with CAD software, you will be able to design 3D dimensions which is hard to do when 2D programs. There are various 3D modeling software available, but as a beginner I would recommend using SelfCAD as you don’t have to spend a lot of time learning. Once you learn SelfCAD, it will also
Cube in dodecahedron. Image source: Wikimedia.com
Xii) Photography
Golden ratio rule in photography. Image source: Backlightblog.com
Photography frames are set on the rule of thirds. The picture is split into three unequal parts and then the intersecting lines are used to compose the picture. The ratio is 1: 0.618: 1 – in which the width of the first and third vertical columns is 1, and the width of the center vertical column is 0.618. In the same manner, the height of the first and third horizontal rows is 1, and the width of the center row is 0.618 in the horizontal rows. Further these lines and intersections are used to draw the viewer’s eye and focus attention. This adds spirit to the composition of photographs.
Golden ratio is a tool to create something that will showcase the right emotional and visual tone in users. This theory exists whether you use it on purpose or not. Therefore, it is important that you understand and recognize it in order to create the best and easiest possible design. Golden Ratio guides you to areas of focus where the user is likely to focus and look out into nature. It helps create balance and scale, even when it is not entirely intentional. The golden ratio is a crucial element of design, as it achieves the harmonization found in nature and even in our body. It is omnipresent in nature and vital for visual balance.
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