Quiz Two Flashcards
Visual Literacy
The effective application of
design elements and
principles along with an
understanding of pattern,
ordering, and visual
perception
WHAT IS GESTALT THEORY?
A group of visual perception principles developed in the early
1920’s by a group German psychologists. Built on the theory
that “an organized whole, is perceived as greater than the sum
of its parts”
The Gestalt theory studied how the brain tends to:
organize and group elements into simpler patterns and close a space with approximate but not set outline
Six laws of gestalt theory
1.Closure
2.Continuance
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Alignment
6. Figure-Ground
Law of closure
The mind supplies the missing pieces in a composition
Law of Continuance
Based on idea that brain likes to follow routes
LAW OF SIMILARITY
Concerned with what an item looks like.
Three areas of consideration: Size, Value/color, Shape
LAW OF PROXIMITY
Concerned with where items are in relationship to each
other i.e., items placed close to each other will often be
perceived as one or belonging together.
Four types of proximity relationships:
-Close edge
-Touch
-Overlapping
-Combining
CLOSE EDGE
Items placed close to each other will often be perceived as one
TOUCH
When items touch, they have a stronger relationship
OVERLAPPING
An even stronger relationship develops when items overlap
COMBINING
The strongest relationship is when items are combined
LAW OF ALIGNMENT
Concerned with lining up
objects to organize and form
groups
What are the five forms of alignment?
-Centralized
-Linear
-Radial
-Clustered
-Grid
CENTRALIZED ALIGNMENT
Contains a central dominant element around which a number of secondary elements are grouped.
Ex. Circular Church plans
LINEAR ALIGNMENT
Contains a linear arrangement of elements. This form of alignment expresses procession or movement
Ex. Long church plans
RADIAL ALIGNMENT
Consist of linear forms that extend outward from central core like spokes of a wheel
Ex. Hurricane
CLUSTERED ALIGNMENT
Deals with objects sharing primary general shape, arranged by proximity
Ex. Crystal Cluster
GRID ALIGNMENT
Spaces organized within a structural grid. Uses two or more regularly spaced parallel lines
LAW OF FIGURE-GROUND
Elements perceived as either:
Figure (element of focus) or Ground (background on which the figure sits.
DESIGN CONCEPT
A fundamental aspect of a design project, the underlying thought or motivator that defines a solution to a design problem and drives design
decisions.
What are design elements?
They are the real, proven components or tools used to create a successful design.
Space
The area found within an enclosure
Two types:
-Real or positive
-Perceived or negative
Line
When a point moves or when two points are connected a line is generated. Holds expressive quality
Types of lines:
-Actual (positive)
-Implied (negative)
Directions of lines
-Vertical
-Horizontal
-Diagonal
-Curved
Vertical Lines
Give a feeling of height, strength, dignity, and often awe
Often seen in the following applications:
-Exterior: Columns
-Interior: Tall furniture and Folds of drapery
Horizontal Lines
Give a feeling of rest, relaxation, and solidity. They also speak of strength
Often seen in the following applications:
-Cornices
-Dados
-Bookshelves
-Most sofas
-Long, low lines of ranch-style homes
Diagonal Lines
Give a feeling of action and movement
Often seen in the following applications:
-Vaulted ceilings
-Staircases
-Sloping furniture
Curved Lines
Give a feeling of grace and delicacy. They are often used to soften shapes
Often seen in the following applications:
-Arches
-Swags
-Rounded and curved furniture
Shape
A two-dimensional outline. Easily seen in plan view
-Ex: square, circle, triangle
Form
A three-dimensional outline (adding volume to a shape). Easily seen in 3D interiors.
-Ex: cube, pyramid, sphere
