Another interesting thing is the concept of a circle vs a square or diamond (a shape with edges).

When I create a CLD in vensim I always start with straight line relationships (this makes it easier to move variables around and not lose the integrity of the connections - curved lines expand!)

Afterwards I always curve the lines to appear as circles or ovals as they appear more coherent and appealing.

Relation Shapes

I was exploring this last summer in France and you can see how it develops....the circle only appears when we have an infinite number of connected entities!

Circles are sacred.

x

This is making me think of spirograph.

[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4975689/ This paper] asks the question: Do observers like curvature or dislike angularity?

Add examples on CLDs with straight and curved lines