Do you know the feeling you get when you look at nature, photographs or buildings and like them straight away? The reason we like something lies not only in colours and beautiful things, but in the natural proportions of the so-called golden ratio. Sophisticated and advanced manufacturers use this principle in product design, interiors and even cosmetic surgery, because they know that people perceive it as the most beautiful. It is therefore no wonder that the golden ratio is applied to the design of door handles as it elevates them in the eyes of the buyer as well as increasing the structural soundness of the front door.
The golden ratio or the divine proportion is a natural system of proportions
Have you ever looked at a finger on your hand, bent it, and wondered about the proportions of the distances between knuckles in relation to the size of the finger? Have you ever observed the order of leaves on a plant and wondered about the proportions of their distribution? These are the same questions that philosophers pondered in ancient times. After careful observation of natural patterns, they discovered a repeating pattern, which has since then become a key component of architecture, sculpture, design, interior design, photography, and many other activities. Because of its natural occurrence, this ratio is called the divine proportion or the golden ratio.
The golden ratio is also called the divine proportion, because it occurs in nature, on the human body and in the universe (source: Totem Learning).
What is the golden ratio?
The golden ratio can be mathematically explained by dividing a line into two unequal parts, so that the ratio of the total length of the line to the greater part of the line is equal to the ratio of the larger part to the smaller part. This ratio, also called the golden number, is approximately 1.618.
The ratio of the length of the entire line (a+b) to the greater part of the line (a) is equal to the ratio of the greater part of the line (a) to the smaller part of the line (b). This ratio is approximately 1.618 (source: Prototypr).
The best known forms of the golden ratio in design are the golden rectangle and the golden spiral. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa has held our fascination for centuries precisely because of the natural proportions of the golden ratio. Her face forms the golden rectangle, where the ratio of the height to width of the rectangle is 1:1.618. The golden spiral, which follows the Fibonacci sequence, can be applied to the entire painting and the ratios of the height to the width of rectangles present the golden ratio, i.e. 1:1.618. Since the spiral is often found in nature, for example, in the shell of a snail, the design of sophisticated products follows this natural divine proportion.
Golden rectangle (left, source: Research Gate).
Golden spiral (right, source: 99 designs).
The most famous depiction of the golden ratio is Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, depicting an ideal human body in which everything is in the ratio of the golden number 1.618.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man depicts proportions of the human body. All ratios, from the height of the body to the height of the navel, the length from the shoulder to the finger and then elbow to finger, the height of the hip to the height of the knee, etc. respect the scale of the golden ratio 1:1.618.
A product that follows the principle of the golden ratio is a sophisticated product
One of the main goals of any designer is to create clear and intuitively understandable product designs with a simple message. This is a prerequisite for making products more appealing to users, who will be more willing to buy them.
It is scientifically proven that the human eye perceives products with proportions with the golden ratio as the most harmonious, beautiful and perfect. Seeing these proportions in nature every day, subconsciously attaches us to them, even though we may be unaware of them. Accepting the beauty of the golden ratio is something we feel intuitively, so we tend to like certain things, even though we may not be able to explain why.
Products that take into account the proportions of the golden ratio represent a visual harmony, accuracy of design, natural balance, and aesthetic attraction. Because we buy what we find appealing, we are instinctively drawn to such products. We are used to them and subconsciously find them familiar, pleasant, and safe.
Aston Martin, the manufacturer of sophisticated cars swears by the golden ratio as the basis of design, knowing that these models will be recognised as harmonious, beautiful and perfect (source: Phimatrix).
What is the difference if you put a door handle following the golden ratio on the door in place of an ordinary door handle?
If you thought that the main reason was merely the “divine” aesthetic which is added to front door handles designed with the golden ratio, you are mistaken. Door handles that incorporate the golden ratio have greater structural strength.
The key question we asked ourselves at Griffing during the design of front door handles was: What are the parameters used to define the correct or optimal ratio between door handle mounts? After careful consideration, designers and development engineers decided on the golden ratio as the basis for both, aesthetic elegance and structural strength.
The distance between mounts according to the principle of the golden ratio makes the door handle significantly more rigid, especially in the case of extremely long door handles, which are the trend in 2021. The elimination of bending and greater strength relieves the door handle attachment system, making this system even more durable and lasting. In addition to the feeling of sturdiness it brings to the front door, the sensible position of the mounts extends the door handle optically, and the door therefore looks bigger and more powerful.
Distance between mounts according to the principle of the golden ratio. Such door handles offer optimal static layout and make the most of the strength of the material. They are not only more structurally sound, we subconsciously perceive them as extremely beautiful.
Let’s not forget that people buy what they find pleasing to the eye. Since it is scientifically proven that people perceive the proportions of the golden ratio as beautiful, safe, and familiar, doors with such door handles will impress people without the need for words or persuasion. They will simply like them. And when gripping the door handle, they will feel the strength and mightiness of the entire door.
For countless front door manufacturers, most of whom offer similar designs and functional solutions, it is essential to provide a competitive advantage with accessories such as door handles. The principle of the golden ratio is not a fashion trend or a subjective aspect of human aesthetics, but a natural relationship through which ordinary door handles are elevated to prominent, sophisticated, and superior products. Companies such as Apple, Twitter, Aston Martin, and others do not follow these principles just for the sake of it, but because they are aware of the impact such designs have on aesthetic perception and on sales.
| The design of Griffing door handles follows the principle of the golden ratio. It offers an optimal static installation that fully utilises the strength of the material. When a person pulls or pushes the door handle, it holds strong and sturdy. The door as a whole is perceived as firm and strong. Guests feel reassured and trust you more.
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On the left, you can see an average door handle available on the market, which looks stocky and awkward, and bends when gripped. On the right, our door handle is designed according to the elegant principle of the golden ratio, which when gripped, evokes a sense of strength for the entire front door.
