Sharp or Rounded Borders in Design
Tags: ux, uxdesign, ui
Published: 2024-01-01 18:19:15

I was working on a web project that involved creating an examination system tailored for pilots. Since childhood, I have regarded the profession of a pilot as a serious and meticulous undertaking, so, my primary focus was on achieving a design that exuded professionalism and seriousness. During the design process, the consideration of incorporating sharp edges caught my attention, prompting me to delve deeper into the intricacies of when to opt for sharp borders versus rounded ones. As I delve into my discoveries and understanding of rounded and sharp border design, allow me to share the insights I've gathered.

The choice between Sharp and Rounded styles can significantly impact the visual appeal, usability, and emotional response of a website. The unexpected revelation emerged when I realized the subtle link between sharp designs and my childhood. From early warnings about sharp objects like scissors, pencils, thorns, scales, and more, the association of sharp designs with strictness and seriousness became remarkably apparent. In light of my research, I've compiled a list outlining the distinctions between sharp and rounded design styles. Here's a breakdown of the differences:


- **Aesthetic Appeal**:

Sharp Borders: Sharp edges and straight lines convey a sense of precision and modernity. They often contribute to a clean and minimalistic aesthetic, making elements stand out with a bold and defined look.

Rounded Borders: On the other hand, rounded borders offer a softer and more approachable feel. They can create a friendly and inviting atmosphere, which might be well-suited for websites with a focus on user engagement or content consumption.


- **Brand Identity**:

Sharp Borders: Companies with a high-tech or professional image might benefit from sharp borders to reinforce a sense of precision and efficiency. This style can align well with brands in industries such as technology, finance, or consulting.

Rounded Borders: Brands aiming for a warm and inclusive image, such as those in the hospitality, health, or lifestyle sectors, may find that rounded borders help communicate a friendlier and more welcoming identity.

- **Usability and Accessibility**:

Sharp Borders: In some cases, sharp borders can be advantageous for creating a clear visual hierarchy. They can help define distinct sections and guide users through the content more efficiently, especially when combined with contrasting colors.

Rounded Borders: Rounded edges are often associated with a softer user interface. This can reduce visual friction, making it easier for users to focus on content without distractions. Rounded borders can also contribute to a more tactile and touch-friendly design, enhancing the overall user experience, especially on mobile devices.

- **Device Responsiveness**:

Sharp Borders: If your website needs to adapt to various screen sizes and resolutions, sharp borders can be more forgiving in terms of maintaining a polished appearance. Straight lines tend to scale well, preserving the integrity of the design across different devices.

Rounded Borders: While rounded borders can be responsive as well, they may require additional considerations to ensure a consistent and appealing look, especially on smaller screens.


![Picture of sharpe and rounded border design](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6d9ly4sb2hz57gk6d7qq.png)

I hope my insights will guide your decisions while you design your next project. In addition to the insights shared, another valuable lesson was the consistency of the design, whether you lean towards a serious tone with sharp edges or a friendlier feel with rounded borders, you must follow it throughout your project. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. 

Currently, I'm delving into the impact of letter casing on design, and if you're eager to explore this and other captivating insights in the realm of design and development, consider following me for regular updates.