Humans have tendency to perceive certain forms as humanlike – typically resembling a face or body. When this tendency is applied to design, it attracts more attention as well as establishes emotional connection. Feminine body proportion evokes sexuality and vitality. Round forms are used to evoke baby-like features. Angular forms evoke masculinity.
Source: Universal Principles of Design: Anthropomorphic Form
Example 1 (original source) – Universal Principles of Design: Anthropomorphic Form
Example 2 (online source) – Zootopia and the anthropomorphic principle
Example 3 (original source) – Spooky Village, Light-Up Jack-o’-Lantern
Miyuki, I have also an example of Nestle in Brazil where they have the condensed milk can that tries to resembles the shape curves of the woman’s body from the label (original Swiss lady back from 1921 when the product was first launch). It is also a reference to the commercial name of the product in Brazil: Leite Moça (literal translation is Leite = Milk and Moça = Young lady) or Young Lady’s Milk:
http://sites.uci.edu/in4matx282f17/anthropomorphic-form_design-example/
Miyuki, I found this article about Dove employing anthropomorphic form. A few years ago, Dove created the “real beauty” campaign, embracing all forms of body types and challenging the idea of how real beauty is defined. Check out the video & twitter comments!
https://www.fastcompany.com/40419119/dove-matches-its-new-body-wash-bottles-to-your-body-type
Thanks Jennifer for sharing this. It is enlightening to know the Dove continues raising awareness of ‘real beauty.’ I’m getting sidetracked from anthropomorphic form topic but, speaking of ‘real beauty,’ a couple of top French fashion group recently banned using skinny models on the show. Also, they banned photoshopping the models. I am hoping this can raise more awareness of real beauty.