Six principles


of design in


Gestalt Theory

The Law of

Closure

Our brain tends to fill in missing information and ignore gaps to create familiar shapes and images.

Closure

While there technically is no square, we can still interpret one based on the surrounding circles.

Closure

Our brain ignores the spaces between the lines and completes this silhouette of a deer.

The Law of


Proximity

Objects that are placed close together are perceived to be more related than those further apart.

Proximity

The law of proximity is used in text to distinguish between different words and paragraphs.

Proximity

The circles are placed in such a way that we can interpret the letter 'P'.

The Law of


Similarity

Objects that are similar in shape, size or color are perceived as being grouped together or related.

Similarity

This icon appears as a single unit because the triangular shapes at the bottom of the eagle look similar to the shapes of the surrounding sun.

Similarity

When all objects are similar, you can draw focus to one of them by changing its color, style or size. This is called 'anomaly'.

The Law of

Figure/Ground

Elements of a design can either be considered as figure or ground. The figure is often meant as the focus of the viewers attention.

Figure/Ground

In its simplest form, the figure is often the element that appears to be placed in front of the ground, which can be interpreted as the background.

Figure/Ground

Depending on which part of this image is perceived as figure, either a vase or the silhouette of two faces can be seen.

The Law of

Continuity

We perceive lines as part of a continuous movement in order to minimize abrupt changes.

Continuity

The eye is being guided through the square, towards the circle. Our eyes naturally follow the lines of the image.

Continuity

The law of continuity can also be used to bind two different colors together with the help of a continuous element.

The Law of

Symmetry

Objects that are balanced and symmetrical tend to be perceived as a unified group.

Symmetry

Designs with symmetry help create balance and are easier on the eyes.

Symmetry

Using symmetry in text can also greatly improve readability and the overall aesthetic of the text.