GESTALT A Guide to the Fundamentals of Design
By D.T. Wolfe
Similarity .
Proximi
Con
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
ity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
ntinuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 6 Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 8
Figure and Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 10
Symmetry and Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 - 12
Assymetrical Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 - 14
Dilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 - 16
Focal Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 - 18
Connectedness . . . . . . . . . 19 - 20
The Law of Similarity
When viewing a collection of objects, we will group together objects which share either color, shape, or size.
The Law of Proximity
Upon seeing a group of objects, we will group together objects that are closer together as one larger object.
The Law of Continuation
When percieving objects which are alligned in a linear manner, we will percieve them as one line or form.
The Law of Closure
When viewing a group of objects that are arranged in a familiar way, we will perceptually complete incomplete objects.
The Law of Figure & Ground
We are able to distinguish familiar shapes which inhabit both the foreground and background of an image.
The Law of Symmetry
We percieve seperate objects which reflect each other symmetrically as one concentric object.
The Law of Assymetrical Balance
When objects that are not symmetrical are arranged in a way that is balanced, the composition makes the viewer feel at ease.
The Law of Dilation
When objects are arranged to proceed from a central point, the illusion of space is created.
The Law of Focal Point
Any lone object that is visually different than the other objects around it will draw the immediate attention of the viewer.
The Law of Connectedness
When any group of objects are connected together by the use of line, they are percieved as a seperate object.