Gestalt Theory of Visible Perception.. The classic principles of the gestalt theory of visual perception include similarity, continuation, closure, proximity, figure/ground, and symmetry & order (also known as prägnanz). Others, such as “common fate,” have been added in recent years. What is the Gestalt theory of visual perception? What are the theories of perception? What are the applications of Gestalt theory? Who proposed Gestalt Theory?

1. Founder - Max Wertheimer |
Co-founders _ Wolfgang Köhler and Kurt Koffka

2. Gestalt Theory of Visible Perception
• The Gestalt Theory of Visual Perception is a psychological framework
that originated in the early 20th century, primarily in Germany.
"Gestalt" is a German word that roughly translates to "form" or
"shape." This theory suggests that the human mind tends to
perceive and organise visual elements into holistic patterns or
configurations rather than seeing them as isolated parts.

5. Key principles of
Gestalt theory
• Proximity
• Similarity
• Closure
• Continuity
• Figure-Ground Relationship
• Symmetry
• Common Fate

6. Principle of Proximity
• Principle of Proximity: Elements that are close to each other tend to
be perceived as a group or pattern.
• Examples |
• 1. Dots and Lines:
• When a series of dots are placed close to each other, they are perceived as a single line or shape. Even
if the dots are not connected, our brain tends to group them together due to their proximity.
• 2. Text Blocks:
• In a paragraph of text, words that are close to each other are perceived as belonging to the same
sentence or thought. The proximity of words influences how we interpret the text and understand its
meaning.

7. • 3. Group Photos:
• In a group photo, people standing close to each other are perceived as part of the same social group or
interacting with each other. Proximity in physical space communicates social relationships and dynamics
• 4. Merchandise Display:
• In retail settings, items placed close to each other on shelves are perceived as related or part of the same
product category. The proximity of items influences consumer perception and purchasing decisions.
• 5. Musical Notes:
• In musical notation, notes placed close to each other on the staff are perceived as part of the same melody
or musical phrase. Proximity helps musicians interpret the rhythm and structure of the music.

8. In the above image, dots on the left appear to be the part of
one group, whereas the ones on the right seem to be in
three different groups.

9. Principle of Similarity
• Principle of Similarity: Elements that are similar in size, shape, color,
or orientation are perceived as belonging together.
• Examples |
• 1. Color Blocks:
• In a set of colored blocks, blocks of the same color are perceived as belonging together. Even if the
blocks are scattered, our brains group them based on their similar colors.
• 2. Uniformed Soldiers:
• In a group of soldiers wearing identical uniforms, individuals with similar attire are perceived as part of
the same unit or organization. The similarity in clothing creates a visual connection among the soldiers.

10. • 3. Traffic Signs:
• In a series of traffic signs, signs with similar shapes (e.g., circles indicating prohibitions, triangles indicating
warnings) are perceived as conveying related messages. The similarity in shape helps drivers quickly
interpret the meaning of the signs.
• 4. Product Packaging:
• In a display of various products, items with similar packaging designs or colors are perceived as belonging to
the same brand or product line. Consistent design elements create a cohesive visual identity for the products
• Tiles in Mosaic Art:
• In mosaic art, tiles of the same color or shape are arranged together to form patterns or images. The
similarity in tile characteristics creates cohesive and visually appealing designs.

11. In the logo for NBC (1986-present), all the feathers are of
different colours but are perceived as similar in the group
because of their same shape.

12. Principle of Closure
• Principle of Closure: The mind tends to fill in gaps in visual information to
perceive complete objects, even when parts of the object are missing.
• Examples |
1. Incomplete Shapes: Imagine seeing a series of dots arranged in the shape of a triangle, but one of the
sides is missing. Despite the gap, your brain perceives the shape as a complete triangle by mentally
filling in the missing side.
2. Broken Images: Consider looking at a picture that has been torn or partially obscured. Even if parts of
the image are missing, your brain often interprets the overall image and fills in the gaps, allowing you
to recognize the complete object or scene.
3. Unfinished Lines or Figures: If you see a drawing of a circle with a small portion left incomplete, your
brain may still perceive it as a complete circle rather than as an incomplete shape.

13. 1. Text Recognition: When reading text, our brains can often interpret words even if some letters are missing
or obscured. For example, you may still be able to understand the word "elephant" if the letters "l" and "p"
are partially covered.
2. Logo Recognition: Consider well-known logos like the Apple logo or the Nike swoosh. They consist of simple
shapes and lines, yet our brains easily recognize them even if they're simplified or represented partially.

14. Principle
of
Closure

15. Principle of Continuity
• Principle of Continuity: The mind prefers continuous and smooth
patterns rather than abrupt changes or discontinuities.
• Examples |
1. Dotted Lines: Imagine a series of dots arranged in a line, some of which are obscured or interrupted.
Despite the interruptions, our brains perceive the dots as part of a continuous line rather than
individual, disconnected dots.
2. Curved Paths: Consider a drawing of a winding path through a forest. Even if the path is broken or
partially hidden by trees, our brains perceive it as a continuous path rather than a series of
disconnected segments.
3. Flowing Patterns: Look at a design featuring flowing or undulating lines, such as waves or spirals. Even
if the lines intersect or overlap, our brains tend to interpret them as continuous patterns rather than
separate elements.

16. 1. Cursive Handwriting: When reading cursive handwriting, the letters flow together in a continuous line.
Despite the variations in letter shapes and connections, we perceive the writing as a cohesive and
continuous stream of text.
2. Roads and Rivers on a Map: On a map, roads and rivers may appear as continuous lines, even if they are
interrupted by symbols or labels. Our brains perceive these features as continuous paths rather than
fragmented lines.
3. Long Exposures in Photography: In long-exposure photography, moving objects such as cars or lights create
continuous trails of light across the frame, even if there are breaks or interruptions in the movement.

17. Google Map

18. Principle of Figure-Ground Relationship
• Principle of Figure-Ground Relationship: The mind organizes visual
information into a figure, which stands out against the background.
• The principle of figure-ground relationship is a Gestalt principle in
psychology that explains how we perceive objects by differentiating
between the figure (the main object of focus) and the ground (the
background against which the figure appears).
• Examples |

19. 1. Profile Portraits: In profile portraits, the person's profile is typically the figure, while the background serves
as the ground. The profile stands out against the background, making it the focal point of the image.
2. Text and Background: When reading text on a page, the words (figure) stand out against the blank
background (ground). The contrast between the text and the background helps to distinguish the letters and
words for easier reading.
3. Logo Design: In logo design, the main symbol or icon often serves as the figure, while the background
provides contrast to make the figure stand out. For example, the Apple logo with the apple (figure) against a
white background (ground).

20. The above logo for “Hope for African Children
Initiative” simultaneously depicts the map of
Africa and the waning silhouettes of an adult
and a child.
In this image, we see
faces and vases
which depend on our
way of perception. If
we see the white as
the figure, then we
perceive men and
vice-versa.

21. Principle of Symmetry
• Principle of Symmetry: Elements that are symmetrical tend to be
perceived as a unified group, separate from elements that are not
symmetrical. Symmetry creates a sense of balance and order in visual
perception.
• Examples |
1. Butterfly: A butterfly is a classic example of symmetry in nature. Despite the slight variations in the
patterns and colors of its wings, the overall shape of the butterfly is perceived as symmetrical along its
central axis.
2. Human Faces: Faces are often considered attractive when they exhibit symmetrical features. Even
though most faces are not perfectly symmetrical, the perception of symmetry contributes to our sense
of facial attractiveness.
3. Architecture: Many architectural designs incorporate symmetry to create a sense of balance and
harmony. For instance, buildings with identical wings or features on both sides often appear more
aesthetically pleasing.

22. • Rows of Seats in a Theater: In a theater or cinema, rows of seats often face the same direction. When
people sit down and face forward, they collectively share the same orientation, contributing to the sense of
common fate within the audience.

24. Principle of Common Fate
• Principle of Common Fate: Elements that move in the same direction
or share a common fate are perceived as belonging together.
• Examples |
• Traffic Flow: In urban environments, vehicles traveling in the same direction on a road exhibit common
fate. Cars in the same lane move at similar speeds and follow the same path, contributing to the
perception of a unified flow of traffic.
• Crowd Movement: During events or gatherings, crowds of people moving in the same direction
exemplify the common fate principle. Whether walking toward a venue entrance or dispersing after an
event, individuals within the crowd tend to move together, contributing to the perception of a
collective entity.

26. Conclusion
• The Gestalt theory of perception, developed in the early 20th century, emphasizes how humans
perceive the world as organized wholes rather than as a collection of isolated parts. It proposes
several key principles that govern perceptual organization, including the principle of proximity,
similarity, continuity, closure, symmetry, common fate, and figure-ground relationship. These
principles suggest that our minds naturally seek patterns, completeness, and simplicity in the
sensory information we receive. For instance, objects that are close to each other, similar in
appearance, or aligned in a continuous pattern tend to be perceived as belonging together.
Furthermore, the figure-ground relationship helps us distinguish between the main object of
focus (the figure) and its surrounding context (the ground). These principles collectively illustrate
how our perceptual experiences are shaped by the organization and interpretation of visual
stimuli in our environment.

27. Gestalt Principles in Graphic Design
• Why are the gestalt principles important in graphic design?
The gestalt principles are an important set of ideas that, when
implemented correctly, can significantly improve the aesthetics, user-
friendliness, and functionality of a design.They can significantly
improve any design, whether it’s a website, an app, a business card, or
anything else that requires graphic design. Naturally, you want these
assets to be visually striking. That’s where the gestalt design principles
come in.

28. Thanks
M.Mujeeb Riaz