Betty Edwards in her book Drawing on the Artist Within reveals the relationships between lines, thoughts,
and meaning. Her studies show that certain lines have specific meanings as an image. This concept has been tested many times
with consistent results. As a matter of fact, you can easily do an experiment to prove its validity by presenting the simple
line drawings shown here to your friends and ask them for the meaning of the lines. You will be surprised at the consistency
of the results. What are the implications for store design? If used properly, the hidden meaning of the shapes of the storefront
and other elements can reinforce the image of the store, or if not taken into account could result in a mismatch of meaning
and intent. For example, while few stores seek an image of anger in their storefronts and displays, some may be unintentionally
achieving that image through the use of shapes and lines which have acute angles in a visual pattern "meaning" anger.
Look at the stores on this page and see if you find a "meaningful" correlation.