Gestalt principles propose that we perceive objects as organized patterns rather than separate components. Some key principles include: - Grouping based on proximity, similarity, continuity and closure - Figures are perceived based on principles of goodness and simplicity - Figure and ground relationships define foreground and background elements The Gestalt laws suggest visual elements are organized into meaningful groups and the simplest patterns according to principles of perception. However, some terms are vague, like what defines the "simplest" organization.

1. Gestalt Principles
(Gestalt Laws)
Visual Perception

2. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
 Gestalt – Movement in experimental psychology
which began prior to WWI.
 We perceive objects as well-organized patterns
rather than separate components.
 “The whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts.”
 Based on the concept of “grouping”.

3. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
We impose visual organization on stimuli
W.E. Hill, 1915 German postcard, 1880

4. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Illusory
Contours
The Kanisza triangle as figure-ground illusory contours

5. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Three Main Principles:
Grouping (proximity, similarity,
continuity, closure)
Goodness of figures
Figure/ground relationships

6. Law of Equilibrium
 Items in a visual field strive for
balance with other items in the field
Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception

7. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Grouping:
Law of Proximity

8. Law of Similarity
 Suggests that units which resemble each
other in shape, size, color, or direction will
be seen together as a homogenous
grouping (of the same kind)
Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception

9. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Grouping:
Law of Similarity

10. Gestalt/Visual Perception
 A look closer at Gestalt Laws

11. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Grouping: Law of Similarity: Shape, Scale, Color

12. Law of Continuation
 (or good figure) visual perception works to
pull figures out of the background to give
them definition against the undistinguished
field in which they are located. . .
Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception

13. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Law of Good Continuation, or
Continuity
Objects arranged in either a
straight line or a smooth
curve tend to be seen as a
unit.

14. Law of Closure
 Each chunk should be self-contained
(provide closure)—without good
continuation a reader will fill in the gaps
Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception

15. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Law of Closure

16. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Law of Common Fate

17. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Goodness of Figure, or the Law of Pragnanz
(Pragnanz is German for Pregnant, but in the sense of
pregnant with meaning, not with child!)

18. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Figure/Ground relationships
Figure – seen as the foreground
Ground – seen as the background
Contours – “belong” to the figure

19. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Reversible Figure/Ground
relationship

20. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Reversible Figure/Ground
relationship
Can be affected by the
principle of smallness:
Smaller areas tend to be seen
as figures against a larger
background.

21. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Reversible Figure/Ground
Relationship:
Tessellation – interlocking
figure/ground
M.C. Escher

22. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
 Gestalt laws of Grouping organize the
visual scene into units
 The Law of Pragnanz, or Goodness of
Figure creates the simplest most meaningful
pattern
 Figure/Ground relationships define
important parts of the scene

23. Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Problems with Gestalt theory:
It is a phenomenological approach
Some of the terms are vague
(e.g. what is the “simplest” organization?)