Nine 2-dimensional shapes were created that varied in four geometric factors: number of Vertexes, symmetry, variation of lengths of line segments, and variation of angles. The shapes were evaluated in a paired-comparison experiment on the criterion of perceived complexity. Analysis of variance suggested that the most important predictor of shape complexity was the number of Vertexes. PVA (perimeter squared divided by the area) was also strongly correlated with judged complexity. Symmetry was a significant but weak predictor of complexity.
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