What defines the shape of an object?

The shape of an object is primarily defined by its two-dimensional contour, which is the outline or external form that provides a visual representation of its geometry. This contour is crucial because it determines how the object will be perceived in space, including its aesthetic qualities and how it fits within a defined area or interacts with other elements.

While three-dimensional aspects contribute to the overall physical presence of the object, it is the two-dimensional contour that establishes the foundational characteristics of shape. Function and material composition may influence design decisions, but they do not define what shape fundamentally is. The shape is concerned with how the object is viewed from the outside rather than its purpose or the materials from which it is made.