One Quick Question: What is the Fibonacci Sequence and how does it relate to design?

We recently chatted with WWU Associate Professor of Design John Gialanella who kindly answered our question, "What is the Fibonacci Sequence, and why is it important" for World Fibonacci Day on Nov. 23.

JG: "The Fibonacci Sequence is a mathematical pattern where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so forth. Named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci, who introduced it to Western mathematics in the 13th Century, (though the sequence was likely known in non-Western regions long before) this sequence appears throughout nature, such as in the spiral arrangements of sunflower seeds, pinecone scales, nautilus shells, and even galaxy formations.

What connects the Fibonacci sequence to designers is its intimate relationship with the golden ratio, approximately 1.618, often represented by the Greek letter phi (φ). As the Fibonacci numbers increase, the ratio between consecutive numbers approaches this value. For example, 21 divided by 13 equals 1.615, and 34 divided by 21 equals 1.619, both remarkably close to the golden ratio.

Admittedly, the above information was gathered from some quick internet queries. I am not a historian or a mathematician. In fact, I failed my math courses more times than I care to share. The history is no doubt fascinating, and the mathematics of it all equally so, but the truth for a designer is that what makes these numbers interesting is how they translate visually. When designers are talking about how these numbers can influence their work, they aren't sitting at their sketch pad referencing the Fibonacci sequence, an occasional designer might reference the golden ratio, but in all likelihood, the terminology you'll find spoken universally by designers is the grid.

In graphic design, this mathematical harmony translates into visual appeal through the golden ratio grid. Designers create rectangles with proportions based on the golden ration to establish balanced layouts. This grid naturally guides the eye through a composition and creates a sense of organic flow. Logo designers might use golden ratio circles to achieve pleasing proportions, while web designers apply it to determine ideal column widths and spacing. 

Magazine layouts often employ the grid to position images and text blocks in ways that feel instinctively "right" to viewers. The enduring popularity of these proportions in design, from the Parthenon to the Apple logo, suggests that mathematical patterns found in nature resonate deeply with human aesthetic perception. Why the human brain finds attraction to visuals that are laid out in this sequence…that's surely a question for a different professor."

Frances Badgett covers the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Fine and Performing Arts Communications. Reach out to her with story ideas at badgetf@wwu.edu.