gestalt for visual design

(“unified whole”)

Gestalt Effect

–the brain’s innate organizing tendencies allow us to perceive things as organized wholes rather than individual elements.

Gestalt Design Principles

• Focal Point (a.k.a. visual hierarchy)• Figure/Ground Relationship• Similarity• Continuity• Closure• Proximity and Alignment

Principle of Focal Point The eye should be drawn first to the most important thing on the page.

Create visual hierarchy/focal points through use of CONTRAST (by size, placement, or color).

poor contrast

better contrast through use of color

Principle of Figure/Ground Relationship

We see things either as figures, or as background, and we involuntarily attempt to find figures in backgrounds – one of the most important elements of perception.

You can play with this inherent tendency in graphic design.

Principle of SimilarityObjects that are similar will be grouped by the mind as part of a group. Violating this principle draws attention.

The brain will involuntarily complete an image (get the viewer involved).

Principle of Closure

Principle of Continuity

The eye is inclined to follow a direction created by/in a visual field.

Principle of Proximity/Alignment

Someone failed to consider proximity…