The document discusses six basic principles of Gestalt theory: continuation, closure, similarity, proximity, symmetry, and figure ground. Gestalt theory hypothesizes that people tend to organize visual elements into unified groups when certain principles are applied. According to Gestalt psychology, the whole is different than the sum of its parts. The document provides examples and explanations of each of the six Gestalt principles.

1. LEARN SIX BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
Please click on a Gestalt principle to begin.

2. Continuation
Continuation occurs when the
eye is compelled to move
through one object and
continue to another object.
Often this is used in
typography based logos.
CONTINUATION
CLOSURE
SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
FIGURE GROUND
OVERVIEW & GAME
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3. Closure
Closure occurs when an
element is incomplete, or a
space is not totally
enclosed.
If enough of the shape is
indicated or hinted at, the
viewer will subconsciously
fill in the missing
information. continuation & closure
CONTINUATION
CLOSURE
SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
FIGURE GROUND
OVERVIEW & GAME
VIDEOS

4. Similarity
Similarity occurs
when objects look
similar to one
another. The viewer
will perceive them as
a group or pattern.
These can be similarities
in color, shape, texture,
or any other design
element.
similar color
similar shapesimilar texture
similar shape
CONTINUATION
CLOSURE
SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
FIGURE GROUND
OVERVIEW & GAME
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5. Proximity
Proximity occurs when
elements are placed close to
each other.
The position of these elements
helps to portray a relationship
between the separate parts.
The opposite is also true.
Objects placed together are
perceived as a group that
belong together.
The bars have meaning because they are close together
CONTINUATION
CLOSURE
SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
FIGURE GROUND
OVERVIEW & GAME
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6. Symmetry
Elements that are
symmetrical to each other
tend to be perceived as a
unified group. The opposite
is also true.
Several symmetries
can occur in one
design.
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SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
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7. Figure Ground
The eye differentiates an
object from its
surrounding area. A form
or shape is perceived as a
figure, while the
surrounding area is
perceived as ground.
Balancing figure and ground
is an art form in itself, but
rules were made to be
broken.
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8. Gestalt is a psychology term, it hypothesizes that people tend to organize visual
elements into groups or ‘unified wholes’ when certain principles are applied.
General ”Rules” of Gestalt Theory
• Objects will be perceived in their simplest form
• Humans naturally follow lines or curves
• The mind will attempt to fill in missing details that aren’t actually there in an
image
Basically, according to Gestalt Psychology, the whole is different than the sum of
its parts. This is often mistranslated to say the whole is greater than the sum of
its parts.
Overview
Review Game
Click the Guess the Gestalt Principle icon to begin.
CONTINUATION
CLOSURE
SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
FIGURE GROUND
OVERVIEW & GAME
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9. Additional Gestalt principles
Gestalt Psychology and Why It's
Essential for Good Design
Gestalt Principles in Design
Principles of Design 1: Gestalt Principles of Design: Laws of Gestalt
CONTINUATION
CLOSURE
SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
FIGURE GROUND
OVERVIEW & GAME
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10. Review Question
Choose the primary Gestalt principle shown in the image
below.
CONTINUATION
SIMILARITY
FIGURE GROUND
CLOSURE
CONTINUATION
CLOSURE
SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
FIGURE GROUND
OVERVIEW & GAME
VIDEOS

11. Review Question
The correct answer is SIMILARITY.
CONTINUATION
SIMILARITY
FIGURE GROUND
CLOSURE
CONTINUATION
CLOSURE
SIMILARITY
PROXIMITY
SYMMETRY
FIGURE GROUND
OVERVIEW & GAME
VIDEOS