History of design mathematics

Golden ratio

Divide a line so the ratio of the whole to the longer segment equals the ratio of the longer to the shorter segment.

"A straight line is said to have been cut in extreme and mean ratio when the whole line is to the greater segment as the greater is to the lesser."

Proportional design

Pacioli explored proportion in art and architecture, with illustrations by Leonardo da Vinci.

Modernist typography

Tschichold described modernist typography with sans-serif type, asymmetric layouts, and systematic grids.

"The essence of the new typography is clarity."

The Modulor

Le Corbusier related architectural measurements to human proportions and the golden ratio.

"A range of harmonious measurements to suit the human scale, universally applicable to architecture and to mechanical things."

Perceptual color

CIELAB models perceptual color differences. Equal numerical changes aim to represent similar visual changes.

Grid systems

Müller-Brockmann described modular grids for arranging columns, margins, and spacing.

"The grid system is an aid, not a guarantee. It permits a number of possible uses and each designer can look for a solution appropriate to his personal style."

Modular scales

Bringhurst connected typographic proportions to modular scales, including musical intervals such as the major third and perfect fourth.

"A modular scale, like a musical scale, is a prearranged set of harmonious proportions."

Modular scales for the web

Tim Brown applied modular scales to web typography through modularscale.com and his writing on type.

Oklab color space

Oklab provides a perceptual color model. Design Kit uses Oklab and OKLCH for palette generation.

"I wanted to find a better balance. Something Lab-like, but okay."

Perceptual contrast

APCA models perceptual contrast with different behavior for dark text on light backgrounds and light text on dark backgrounds.