The Golden Ratio, revered as a divine aesthetic principle in design, is largely a myth. It’s a mathematical concept, not a universal design law. Despite its historical significance in art and architecture, there’s no scientific evidence to support its application in modern design. The ratio, approximately 1.618, is often associated with beauty and harmony, but it’s merely a tool, not a guarantee of good design.
Famous works like the Parthenon and the Pyramids, often cited as examples of the Golden Ratio, don’t strictly adhere to it. Even in nature, where the ratio is said to be commonly found, it’s not as prevalent as often claimed.
The Golden Ratio can be effective in certain design contexts, but it’s not a magic formula. It can help create balanced layouts or guide proportions, but it’s not inherently superior to other design methods. In fact, many successful designs don’t use the Golden Ratio at all.
Design is subjective and highly dependent on context. No single rule or formula, including the Golden Ratio, can dictate good design. Ultimately, design success relies on understanding the specific needs of a project and applying appropriate design principles accordingly.
Go to source article: https://www.fastcodesign.com/3044877/the-golden-ratio-designs-biggest-myth#4