Gestalt Principles

Figure ground principle

When an image can be seen in more than one way because the figure and background compete for attention.

Proximity

Objectd or shapes that are close to one another appear to form groups.

Anomaly

When similarity occurs, an object can be emphasized if it is dissimilar to the others.

Continuity

When our eyes naturally follow lines or paths and see them as continuing smoothly, even if it’s interrupted.

Similarity

Objects or shapes that are similar to one another appear to form groups

Closure

Our brain fills the missing parts of an image to make it look complete.

Pragnanz

Our brains prefer to see things in the simplest, most organised way possible.

Common fate

Objects that move in the same direction are seen as belonging together.C

Connection

When objects are physically connected and perceive them to be in groups

Invariance

When you can recognise an object even when it changes size, position, colour, angle, or orientation.

Symmetry

Objects that are balanced and mirror each other are seen as belonging together and forming a single whole.

Emergence

We first see the whole object before we notice its individual parts.

Enclosure

Objects placed inside the same boundary, box, circle, or area are seen as belonging together.