Gestalt Principles

The visual theory: Gestalt Principles originated in Germany during the 1920s.  Gestalt is German word applied in psychology, which means, "unified whole". As humans, we tend to group objects together.  Gestalt encompasses five different principles that describe these objects. The five principles are: Similarity, Continuation, Closure, Proximity, and Figure/Ground.  The five principles are briefly described below:

Similarity

When particular objects or elements that are close together, we perceive them as a unified whole; however, they really are individual parts. In this figure below, each similar and individual triangle is perceived to be a part of the whole - the whole being the sun and part of the eagle.

Continuation

Continuation in Gestalt is simply that - continuation. One particular object allows us to continue looking through it and onto another object.  In the figure below, each square shape is individual, but as we follow the line, we continue through the objects.

Closure

Though this principal is called 'closure', it focuses on the incomplete and open spaces.  Even though some of the shape is missing or incomplete, we are able to understand what the figure is. When we perceive the shape as a whole, that is when 'closure' happens. In the figure below, though the hands and faces are not connected, we are able to see that this shows two faces and hands holding one another.

Proximity

Proximity is when individual shapes are placed near one another, and they are perceived to be a unified whole.  As shown below, several squares are shown, but they do not create a figure.  Next, they are placed in proximity of one another and are now perceived to be a whole, or cube.

Figure and Ground

In figure and ground, our eye perceives an object within its surrounding. The figure is the object and its ground is the surrounding. Balancing the two together allows the image to be clearer.  In the figure below, the tree is the figure and the ground is the stream in the back.

Webliography


The Gestalt Principles. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2010, from:
     http://graphicdesign.spokanefalls.edu/tutorials/process/gestaltprinciples/gestaltprinc.htm


Gestalt Continuation. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2010, from:
     http://www.musiccog.ohio-state.edu/Music829D/Notes/gestalt.continuation.gif


Gestalt Theory Closure. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2010, from:
     http://www.softducks.com/Gestalt-Theory-Software-Tool-soft-90585/