Krummlinien

Krummlinien is a visual motif in graphic design and illustration characterized by lines that bend irregularly, producing a crumpled or jagged appearance rather than smooth curves. In German-language design discourse, the term describes a deliberate deviation from clean straight lines or gently curved forms, used to convey spontaneity, texture, or tension.

The origins are diffuse, emerging with the rise of digital drawing tools and exposure to crumpled-paper textures; its usage has grown through the 2010s and into contemporary branding and art. The concept is applied across media, from print to digital, where designers seek to introduce a sense of imperfection or vitality into a composition.

Characteristics include irregular polylines with variable curvature, frequent direction changes, and a tendency to contrast with flat color fields; many implementations rely on algorithmic generation using noise or random perturbations, sometimes combined with manual adjustment to preserve legibility and control.

Applications span logos, typography, posters, packaging, and architectural renderings where a sense of imperfection or vitality is desired. Variants range from subtle fraying of a line to pronounced zigzag patterns, and designers may combine Krummlinien with clean geometry to amplify contrast.

Reception is mixed; proponents value expressive energy and organic feel, while critics warn against overuse or reduced legibility in functional graphics. In practice, Krummlinien is often treated as a stylistic device to evoke spontaneity, texture, or dynamic movement within otherwise restrained layouts.