The autistic need for straight lines

Beautiful Oak Cottage Door

For many, great craftsmanship evokes a deep sense of well-being and contentment, creating a harmony akin to that of a masterful symphony—what makes something beautiful to the eye and do autistic individual's perceive it differently?

During a recent family holiday in the Peak District [UK], we stayed in a magnificent country house that overlooked rolling green hills, their ridges lined with trees in full summer splendour against a lightly clouded sky. While the scenery was breathtaking, my attention was captivated within our accommodation by the wooden door leading to our en-suite bathroom. This solid oak, rustic ledge-and-brace cottage door was held together with wooden dowels and adorned with iron brackets and a latch. The doorframe, skilfully hand-crafted, seamlessly integrated with the stone wall, adding a touch of timeless craftsmanship to the room.

These observations lead me to ponder some intriguing questions:

Does aesthetics enhance the functionality of design?

Do straight lines play a pivotal role in shaping our perception of beauty?

In 2014 at the University of Bath I attended a keynote speech from Ron Dennis[1.], the then CEO of the McLaren Group. The crux of the presentation was that "form follows beauty" challenges the traditional design principle "form follows function." By emphasising beauty, Dennis suggests that aesthetics should play a central role in design, where pursuing beauty naturally leads to functional and innovative forms. In the context of McLaren, this philosophy means that their cars are designed not only for performance but also with a strong focus on elegance and visual appeal, integrating both functionality and aesthetics into a seamless, refined whole.

McLaren Technology Centre, Woking, Surrey, England[3.]

Ron Dennis elaborated on how the McLaren Technology Centre[2.] embodies the principle that "form follows beauty." The design of the centre seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality, where every aspect of the architecture is not only visually stunning but also serves a practical purpose. The flowing, curved lines of the building, the expansive glass walls, and the integration with the natural landscape all reflect a commitment to both beauty and performance, reinforcing his philosophy that beauty and function should be inseparable in design.

When designing MTC, the team discovered the chosen tiles would need to be cut to fit into the building’s 300 x 100 metre dimensions. Standard practice, of course. But it wasn’t good enough. So to maintain symmetry, they changed the size of the building instead. At 300x99 metres*, the tiles fit perfectly. Problem solved.

One aspect to note is that Ron Dennis' focus what on curved lines rather than straight. In fact two further research papers: "Aesthetic Perception of Line Patterns" and "Significances and Aesthetic Values of Straight Lines" both support this hypothesis suggesting that people generally prefer curved shapes over straight ones; rating as more pleasing and harmonious compared to straight lines. This preference is consistent across different contexts, such as architecture and product design​.

Many times in writing an article I find myself re-evaluating my original intent and direction. My original perception was straight lines in design appeals to everyone but for autistic people the experience was somehow altered; let's examine in more detail but drawing further conclusions.

* I'm sure many autistic individual feel very uncomfortable, like me, with McLaren's indivisible solution of choosing 300x99m.

My preferences

Simulink Control Model[6.]

In my work, at a large aerospace company, around 15 years ago I led the mathematical modelling group in the Landing Gear Domain. My team members are well aware of my need for organisation and order; even though at the time I was unaware of being autistic. When building mathematical models for our projects, we meticulously crafted complex representations of physical aircraft and landing gear control systems. Every aspect of the model adhered to a detailed style guide, ensuring accuracy while striving for aesthetic appeal. We implemented rules for specific sub-model colours, straight lines to connect model elements, and regimented block sizes. While only the modellers would see the inner workings of the simulation, to me, it reflected the utmost care and attention to detail. This philosophy extended throughout my career, with me even going so far as to purchase specific-coloured polo shirts to match the project's colour scheme for each team member.

Years later, upon reading Walter Isaacson’s remarkable biography[7.] of Apple’s iconic founder, Steve Jobs, I came to realise that he employed a similar, albeit more pioneering philosophy when it came to the meticulous circuit board straight-line layouts of iPhones, understanding that although no one would ever see inside, fastidious attention to form and beauty was paramount.”

To me, this journey exemplifies the potential of individuals on the autism spectrum when they are given the belief, trust, and time to navigate and solve complex challenges. By the way, I should note about the many online articles discussing whether Steve Job’s was autistic or not. While Jobs was known for his intense focus, attention to detail, and innovative thinking, these traits are not exclusive to autism and can be found in individuals without autism as well. Although it is intriguing to note the difference in approach for straight lines from Steve Jobs as oppose to Ron's Dennis for curved lines - maybe there is a preference different after all?

How does straight lines relate to autism?

The preference or enjoyment of straight lines (parallel or orthogonal) in some autistic individuals can be linked to several factors related to the cognitive and sensory processing traits often associated with autism. Here are a few reasons why some autistic people might find orthogonal lines appealing:

1. Love for Order and Predictability

• Straight lines represent a high degree of order, symmetry, and predictability. Many autistic individuals find comfort in structured environments and patterns, as they can be easier to process and understand compared to more chaotic or irregular forms.

2. Visual Processing Preferences

• Some autistic individuals have heightened visual processing abilities or specific visual preferences. Straight lines can be visually satisfying because they create clear, defined spaces and can be easier to track with the eyes, reducing sensory overload.

3. Attention to Detail

• Autistic individuals often have a strong attention to detail and may notice and appreciate the precise nature of straight lines. The clear intersection and parallel nature of these lines might resonate with their ability to focus on and enjoy specific patterns.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

• The simplicity and clarity of straight lines might also have an aesthetic appeal to some autistic people. The clean, geometric forms can be pleasing and provide a sense of calm or satisfaction.

5. Systemising Tendencies

• Many autistic individuals have a tendency to systemise, meaning they are naturally inclined to understand and create systems, which include rules, patterns, and structures. Orthogonal lines are a perfect example of a simple yet consistent system that can be appreciated for its logical nature.

6. Sensory Comfort

• For some autistic individuals, certain visual stimuli can either be soothing or overwhelming. The simplicity and regularity of straight lines might be less likely to cause sensory discomfort, making them more enjoyable.

  
  

It's important to note that not all autistic individuals share the same preferences or experiences, but these factors can help explain why some might particularly enjoy or be drawn to straight lines.

Conclusion: "I'm just like that too!"

Originally, I expected this article to conclude with the idea that neurotypicals might say, "I'm just like that too!" in an attempt to connect empathetically. While well-intentioned, such statements can inadvertently diminish the experiences of autistic individuals by overlooking the unique challenges they face. It's akin to minimising other neurological conditions by saying, "We all feel sad sometimes" to someone with clinical depression or "We all get nervous occasionally" to someone with generalised anxiety disorder.

In reflecting on the interplay between aesthetics, functionality, and individual perception, it becomes clear that beauty and form are deeply subjective, influenced by both neurotypical and neurodivergent perspectives. While my initial assumption was that straight lines appeal universally, it now appears there might be nuanced differences in preference, especially for autistic individuals. The contrast between Ron Dennis' affinity for curved lines and Steve Jobs' preference for straight lines underscores this diversity. This exploration not only highlights the rich variety in human aesthetic experience but also invites further inquiry into how design principles can accommodate and celebrate this diversity. In the end, understanding and embracing these differences enriches our appreciation of craftsmanship and design, creating spaces and objects that resonate with a wider range of human experiences.

This certainly warrants further investigation, and it’s a topic I’ll need to revisit in the future. In the meantime, enjoy a gallery of photos featuring straight lines from my recent holiday.

Bonus Extra

Ron Dennis was typically very factual in his presentations, but one story he shared stood out. At the funeral of the legendary Australian racing driver Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart was asked to give a reading. Known for his eloquence and heartfelt tributes, Stewart approached the podium carrying what appeared to be an enormous tome of a eulogy. Ron was taken aback, anticipating a lengthy, sermon-like reading. However, it was only later revealed that, to avoid wearing reading glasses, Stewart had prepared a short eulogy printed in an exceptionally large font, preserving his image while delivering his speech with characteristic grace.

References

1. Mechanical Engineering Design Exhibition 2014. University of Bath. UK.

2. https://cars.mclaren.com/gb-en/about/our-home

3. Photo by Alan Hunt / McLaren Technology Centre / CC BY-SA 2.0

4. Stanischewski S, Altmann CS, Brachmann A, Redies C. Aesthetic Perception of Line Patterns: Effect of Edge-Orientation Entropy and Curvilinear Shape. Iperception. 2020 Sep 30;11(5):2041669520950749. doi: 10.1177/2041669520950749. PMID: 33062240; PMCID: PMC7533941.

5. Dumitrescu, A. (2022). Significances and Aesthetic Values of Straight Lines: -. Acta Technica Napocensis: Civil Engineering & Architecture, 65(1). Retrieved from //actacivil.utcluj.ro/actacivil/article/view/25

6. https://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?example=Suspension&section=SimulinkControl

7. Isaacson, Walter. Steve Jobs: A Biography. 2011. Simon & Schuster.