0% found this document useful (0 votes)
26 views12 pages

Co3 Gonzaga Am11

Uploaded by

Chaela Gonzaga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
26 views12 pages

Co3 Gonzaga Am11

Uploaded by

Chaela Gonzaga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

C H A E L A G O N Z A G A - A M 1 1

THECrafting
GESTALT EFFECT
Cohesion in Design
OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the world of Gestalt principles of design! Imagine stepping
into a space where our brains work like a well-oiled machine, helping us
make sense of the visual chaos around us. Developed by brilliant minds
like Max Wertheimer in the early 20th century, these principles show us
that instead of seeing random bits and pieces, our brains love to find
patterns and perceive complete forms. This is a game-changer for
designers! By understanding how people see and interpret visuals,
designers can create experiences that truly connect with their audience.

THE KEY GESTALT PRINCIPLES


1. Figure-Ground: We perceive objects (figures) against a background

(ground). The figure is the focal point, while the ground is everything

else.

2. Similarity: Items that are similar in appearance (color, shape, size)

are grouped together by our perception.

3. Proximity: Objects that are close to each other are perceived as being

related or grouped together.

4. Closure: We tend to fill in gaps to perceive incomplete shapes as

complete forms.

5. Continuity: We perceive lines and shapes as continuous, preferring

smooth transitions over abrupt changes.

6. Common Fate: Elements that move together are seen as part of the same

group or unit.

7. Symmetry: Symmetrical elements are perceived as belonging together

and create a sense of balance.

8. Past Experience: Our previous experiences shape how we interpret

visual information.
MY UNDERSTANDINGS:
FIGURE-GROUND
It is all about identifying the main subject (the figure) and

distinguishing it from the background (the ground). This separation helps

viewers easily focus on the most important part of the design. Our brains

naturally separate objects from their backgrounds, helping us make sense

of complex visual scenes by prioritizing what stands out.

Example
Imagine scrolling through an online store. If a sleek product is set

against a clean white background, it practically shouts, “Look at me!” This

sharp contrast helps guide your eyes right where they need to go, making

the shopping experience a breeze.

SIMILARITY
We’re naturally drawn to patterns! and the similarity principle

highlights how our brains group elements that look alike—whether in

color, shape, size, or texture. When things are visually similar, we

perceive them as related, even if they are spaced apart. This principle

allows designers to create a sense of cohesion in layouts, helping the

viewer connect similar ideas.

Example
This can be seen in branding. Companies often use the same color scheme

and typography across all marketing materials. This similarity

reinforces brand identity, making everything from their website to their

business cards feel consistent and recognizable.


MY UNDERSTANDINGS:
PROXIMITY
Closeness counts! According to the proximity principle, objects that are

placed near each other are perceived as being part of the same group. Even

if they don’t look the same, their proximity creates a sense of connection.

This principle is incredibly useful for organizing information visually,

ensuring that viewers can easily navigate through content.

Example
On a business card, your name, job title, and contact details are typically

grouped together in one area. This tells the viewer that these elements

belong to you. Meanwhile, if the company logo is positioned farther away,

it feels separate, keeping the focus on your personal information. The

spacing helps the design feel clean and uncluttered, giving the viewer a

clear path to follow.

CLOSURE
This refers to our brain’s ability to fill in missing parts of an image or

shape. Even if certain elements are incomplete or obscured, we can still

perceive the whole. This principle allows designers to suggest rather

than show everything, relying on the viewer’s brain to complete the

picture.

Example
The Disney logo is a great example of closure. The castle is drawn with

simplified shapes, leaving out many details. Even though parts of the

castle are missing, our brains fill in the gaps, easily recognizing it as

the iconic Cinderella Castle. This use of closure makes the design feel

magical and complete without being overly detailed, helping create a

clean, memorable logo that sparks nostalgia and wonder.


MY UNDERSTANDINGS:
CONTINUITY
Research says, we naturally prefer smooth, flowing lines and patterns over

abrupt or disjointed ones. Continuity refers to our tendency to follow the

path of least resistance when looking at a design. Our eyes are drawn

along curves and lines, helping us make sense of the visual flow.

Example
Continuity is also a key principle in logo design. Just like the Coca-Cola

logo, with its flowing script that naturally leads your eye across the

entire design without any sudden stops. This continuous movement gives

the brand a sense of elegance and timelessness.

COMMON FATE
Tells us that when elements move together, we perceive them as part of the

same group. This principle is all about movement and visual direction.

When objects head in the same direction or move in sync, our brains assume

they are related, even if they’re different shapes or colors.

Example
Common fate can also be used in website design with scrolling effects. For

example, when text, images, and icons all slide in the same direction as

you scroll, it creates a harmonious and visually satisfying experience,

making it feel like the elements are all working together.


MY UNDERSTANDINGS:
SYMMETRY
Creates balance and harmony, making designs feel stable and visually

appealing. Humans are naturally drawn to symmetry because it’s easy for

our brains to process. A symmetrical design feels organized, orderly, and

often more beautiful.

Example
The Apple logo is a perfect example of symmetry in design. Its balanced,

mirrored structure creates a sleek, modern look that’s instantly

recognizable. This symmetrical design not only makes the logo more

visually pleasing but also reinforces the brand’s reputation for

simplicity and elegance.

PAST EXPERIENCE
As I research more about this topic, I noticed that this principle is often

left out of scholarly discussions because it doesn’t fully align with the

original framework of Gestalt psychology. Core Gestalt principles focus on

how our brains naturally organize visual elements based on universal

cognitive processes, independent of personal experiences.

Gestalt psychology emphasizes that everyone tends to perceive patterns

similarly, regardless of their background. Since Past Experience is

subjective and varies from person to person, it isn’t always seen as a

foundational Gestalt principle. While some design resources may include

it for its practical usefulness, it doesn’t strictly align with the original

scientific theory. (But I’ll still be including this within my concept

summary as I believe this is still crucial in the process of designing)


MY UNDERSTANDINGS:
Thus, our past experiences play a significant role in how we interpret

visual information. When we encounter familiar symbols or shapes, we rely

on our memories to help us understand what we’re seeing, making the

process quicker and more intuitive.


Example
When we see a shopping cart icon on an e-commerce website, we instantly

know that clicking it will take us to our purchases. This understanding

comes from years of experience shopping online. The simple icon triggers a

flood of past experiences, allowing us to navigate the site with ease.

Designers often use familiar symbols and icons to create a sense of

familiarity and comfort. Like the envelope icon for email or the

magnifying glass for search. These universally recognized symbols tap

into our collective experiences, making interactions smoother and more

efficient.

CONCLUSION:
This principles of design offer a powerful toolkit for any designer

looking to create visually stunning and intuitive work. By understanding

how people naturally perceive and organize visual information, designers

can craft layouts, logos, and interfaces that not only catch the eye but also

enhance the overall user experience. Whether you’re designing a website, a

logo, or a piece of artwork, these provides valuable insights into how to

make your work more cohesive, engaging, and user-friendly. So, let’s

embrace the Gestalt effect and dive into the creative process with

enthusiasm, purpose, and a little bit of flair!


C H A E L A G O N Z A G A - A M 1 1

THECrafting
GESTALT EFFECT
Cohesion in Design
Part 2 - Mix Media style

You might also like