The Gestalt Principles

The Gestalt Principles are a set of principles that explain how people perceive patterns and images in groups of objects.

Proximity

Objects that are closer together are perceived as more related than objects that are further apart.

Similarity

Elements that share similar characteristics are perceived as more related than elements that don't share those characteristics.

Continuity

Elements arranged on a line or curve are perceived as more related than elements noton the line or curve.

Common Fate

Elements that move in the same direction are perceived as more related than elements that are stationary or that move in different directions.

Figure / ground

Elements are perceived as either figure (the element in focus) or ground (the background on which the figure rests).

Focal point

Elements with a point of interest, emphasis or difference will capture and hold the viewer’s attention.