123 Self-Similarity

A property in which a thing is composed of similar patterns at multiple levels of scale.

• Natural forms exhibit similarity at multiple scales. Accordingly, self-similarity is often considered a universal aesthetic.

• People find self-similar forms beautiful, especially when the mathematical density of the pattern resembles savanna-like environments and trees.

• Self-similar modularity is an effective means of scaling systems and managing complexity.

• Explore self-similarity in all aspects of design: storytelling, music composition, visual displays, and engineering. Use it to enhance aesthetics, manage complexity, and scale systems.

See Also Archetypes • Hierarchy • Modularity Savanna Preference • Similarity • Symmetry

The Mona Lisa photomosaic, the African acacia tree, fractals, and Roman aqueducts all exhibit self-similarity.