In
the example to the right, the two filled lines gives our
eyes the impression of two horizontal lines, even though all
the circles are equidistant from each other. In
the example to the left, the larger circles appear to belong
together because of the similiarity in size. The
principle of continuity predicts the preference for
continuous figures. We perceive the figure as two crossed
lines instead of 4 lines meeting at the center.
Theory:[Classic
Graphic Design
Theory]
[Gestalt
Theory of
Perception]
[Human
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Design Theory:
Gestalt Principles of Perception:
Similiarity
Copyright
© 1999 by Bonnie Skaalid
Gestalt
Principle: Similarity [1]
The
principle of similarity states that things which share
visual characteristics such as shape, size, color, texture,
value or orientation will be seen as belonging together.
Gestalt Principle: Proximity or
Contiguity [1]The
principle of proximity or contiguity states that things
which are closer together will be seen as belonging
together. Looking at the picture to the right, since the
horizontal rows of circles are closer together than the
vertical columns, we perceive two vertical lines. Since the
first two columns and the last two columns have less space
between them than the center two columns, we perceive two
groups of two columns.
Gestalt Principle: Continuity
[1]
[1] All figures
adapted from examples in: Mullet, K. & Sano, D. (1995).
Designing visual interfaces: Communication oriented
techniques. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.