When examining the works of many visual artists, an interesting pattern can be observed. During these spring-almost-autumn months, polygons or polygonal shapes have become a favorite trend among designers. They are featured on posters, in print projects and, notably, also in website design. And not in small amounts.
Polygon – a term familiar to those who have dealt with 3D computer graphics or have encountered “artifacts” caused by malfunctioning graphics cards. In 2D-space, we refer to them as polygons, and we all remember them from geometry class. The unique feature of polygonal shapes is that they can have different numbers of sides and forms, be filled or empty (with just a border), with intersecting lines or without. In other words, they can look truly extraordinary. Naturally, this inspires web designers to incorporate them into page backgrounds, logos, site sections, icons, info blocks, and so on.
Another curious detail we’ve noticed: polygons are generally flat, but since some websites are built in 3D space, polygons are animated and set in intricate motion. This resembles a 3D project and can even put demands on your graphics subsystem.
But that’s not quite the topic of today’s discussion.
Why polygons?
When discussing artistic design styles (watercolor, photographic, typographic, etc.), most of us think of the simplest shapes: squares, rectangles, lines. We arrange them, animate if necessary – and the site is ready. In this case, polygons are a great idea for a new site or to refresh an existing, not-so-recently created one. In a casual discussion, it may seem like there’s nothing groundbreaking here. But let’s take a closer look at what webmasters have been doing in this area.
Polygonal Backgrounds
First, we’re drawn to projects like Omniwomen, Domus 1000, Survivalrussian, Jetrails, Dtsi, Croscon. When it’s hard to come up with a visual solution, a polygon can become a powerful tool. For years, such forms have delivered the so-called “wow” effect and offered interesting combinations. They pair well with text, other shapes, images, or can stand alone.
These projects clearly show how polygons are used in various forms and possess a visually intriguing appearance. Their shapes help create depth, suggest motion, and even seem to signal to users what they should focus on first.
A pleasant bonus for web designers – polygons are relatively easy to create and draw. They can be used in any style and colored in virtually any hue or gradient. However, the most popular option is using thin polygonal edge lines that appear to float above a 2D plane. Just two or three lines are made bold and solid.
Interesting Elements and Icons
UI elements can also feature intricate polygonal shapes. Even circles have evolved in some designs. Take a look at Leeds Golf Centre, Gentriville, Croscon, Raoul-Gaillard, Chop-Chop, Britannic Technologies, treenodes:media.
There are no strict rules for polygons in design – not in size, color, or shape. That’s why designers explore whatever their imagination and artistic sense allow. It’s worth noting that even incredibly tiny details can drastically change a project’s visual presentation. Using complex shapes in interface design enriches the look with depth and often leads to unique color and tone combinations.
For example, Leeds Golf Centre used polygons in multiple ways – in section blocks, background images, recent events, buttons, icons. Agreeably, a golf club website ends up looking like something futuristic or high-tech.
Chop-Chop took a different route and created an animated polygonal figure that changes depending on the selected navigation item. Sometimes it's an arrow, a kitten, a key, etc. With little else on the page, this bright yellow animated element grabs all the attention and creates a unique identity for the project.
Gentriville also employed polygons as a loading icon and during scrolling. The shapes merge, break apart, blend, and transform.
Polygons are inherently symbolic and interesting objects for users. Subconsciously, when we see a polygon in an interface, we expect something technological. Various HUD screens, spaceship dashboards, or futuristic city devices often use polygonal elements — as seen in games and movies. Hence the associations.
Why exactly polygons? Their simple shapes, regardless of size, are easily understood by most people. A small triangle or angular figure next to a UI element is a great way to break the routine of circles or squares — while achieving the same effect: clarity, visual appeal, precision.
To Explain and Guide
When you need to guide website visitors or explain how something works or where something is located, polygons can help. Consider Gentriville, Ditto, Choudharylab, Matthias Rendl Grafikdesign, Change Gout, DELAUNAY, Lateralview, Beesecret. From geometry and math courses we know that a polygon helps visualize and structure information. In design, this takes the form of polygonal outlines layered over images.
To clarify this, think of the Puppet Warp mesh in Adobe Photoshop. Also recall how 3D shapes are created in modeling software. The examples above demonstrate this well. For instance, polygons are used to show how glasses recognize facial contours. DELAUNAY uses polygonal forms and animation to reflect their work, which is tied to technology and science.
Similarly, Matthias Rendl Grafikdesign specializes in creative-educational work (posters, banners, teasers, bulletins), so polygons symbolize their activity.
Or take the anti-aging cream page of Beesecret — it uses polygons in the same guiding and explanatory role.
What’s common among all these examples is that they use polygonal contours to help users understand the content and purpose of the project more effectively. Almost all of them feature animations too — light and subtle ones that actually support content exploration.
Color Pairings
Polygons are naturally suited for designs that involve bright colors or strong contrast. Let’s look at Gentriville, Hi-story Lessons, Creamfields, Baileyandfrench, Van der Vliet Aannemer, Alexcoven, Beesecret. In the overall color palette of web design, contrasting polygons offer just the right amount of visual emphasis to shift perception and focus. A perfect way to play with both elements and ideas.
Ah, of course… You can mix and match colors endlessly, and it can take hours. So instead, try paying attention to the following:
What else?
Some examples in this article showcased very small polygons, others – quite large. Both played their roles effectively, drawing attention and highlighting key elements of the content. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your logo or a polygon tucked into navigation – it works either way.
No matter the size, the polygon grabs attention. What’s great is that you can add this element into almost any existing design without having to redo everything. It’s a simple method to give your site a modern, aesthetic, and somewhat techy — even ultra-modern — appearance. Especially helpful when the project feels new but still “missing something.” And time and cost investments are minimal. Well, except maybe for your imagination. Polygons come in many varieties and can be implemented in many ways.
Let’s also take a look at: 11th Behance Reviews BH, Fotonaut Events, Alberta Education, Ardis, Master Digital Design, Paybase.
Conclusion
Polygons or “Polygon” represent a fascinating trend this year. Their main strength lies in how easily they fit into a variety of design styles. For example, the watercolor style of Caavadesign is a vivid illustration. Such forms are also commonly used in informative applications or toolkits.
Moreover, polygonal forms are universally understood. They are used as basic building blocks in design and computer graphics. These angular figures stand out especially well when placed against familiar circles and rectangles. Designers use them in almost every project. Polygons, on the other hand, open up a new kind of design philosophy — to be used freely and creatively. And that brings joy to visitors, designers, and clients alike.