But mathematicians also study shapes constructed by random processes, such as the random walk — the path traced if, at every step, you move in a random direction. Besides the random walk, there are ...

It fared just as poorly as the completely random shape. “This demonstrates that ordered patterns are not always more beautiful than disordered ones,” he wrote.

The same researchers behind the 13-sided "hat" shape have stumbled upon a version that improves upon the original in a very important way.

Here is a guide to help you find your way through the pattern minefield. If you have a neat and compact body shape (Audrey Hepburn): Opt for geometrics - stripes, squares, checks (gingham), or lines.

Nov 30, 2011: Controlled disorder - scientists find way to form random molecular patterns (Nanowerk News) Scientists at The University of Nottingham have discovered a way to control how tiny flat ...