Gestalt principles

Question 1

1. Proximity

Answer 1

Proximity uses the close arrangement of elements to create a group association between those objects.

If individual elements are also similar, they will tend to be perceived as a single whole, even though they are
separate elements.

Proximity or grouping can be achieved with lots of different commonality including shape, colour, texture,
size or any other visual attribute.

Question 2

2. Similarity

Answer 2

When objects looks similar to one another, viewers will often see the individual elements as part of a pattern or group. This effect can be used to create a single illustration, image or message from a series of separate elements.

Similarity can be achieved in many different ways, including size, colour and shape. Objects of a like size have similarity, illustrated by the fact that on a page filled with big circles and little circles, the mind will see all the big circles as belonging in one group while all the little circles are in another

Question 3

3. Continuation

Answer 3

Continuation occurs when the eye is compelled to move through one object and continue to another
object.

Continuation occurs in the example on the next page, because the viewer’s eye will naturally follow a line
or curve. The smooth flowing crossbar of the “H” leads the eye directly to the maple leaf.

Question 4

4. Closure

Answer 4

Closure is a common design technique that uses the human eye’s tendency to see closed shapes.

Closure works where an object is incomplete or the interior space of an element is not fully closed, but
the viewer perceives a complete shape by filling in the missing information.

This technique is often associated with stencilled artwork, but is also closely associated with logo forms.

Question 4

5. Figure/Ground

Answer 4

The figure/ground principle is based upon the relationship between an object and the surrounding space.

Figure/ground is also referred to as positive and negative space, the positive being the object and the
negative referring to the space around it.

This principle gives the illusion of depth, and is a fundamental principle used in almost every design.

Question 5

6. Anomaly

Answer 5

When similarity occurs, an object can be emphasised if it is dissimilar to the others. This is called anomaly.

The figure on the far right becomes a focal point because it is dissimilar to the other shapes.