Introduction to Gestalt Design Principles

What are Gestalt Design Principles?

• Gestalt principles are fundamental concepts in visual design.
• They help designers create visually pleasing and effective compositions.

Key Gestalt Principles

• Proximity: Elements close to each other are perceived as related.
• Similarity: Elements with similar attributes are grouped together.
• Closure: Our brain fills in gaps to perceive incomplete shapes.
• Continuation: We follow a path or line even when it's interrupted.

Proximity Principle

• Elements that are close together are seen as a group.
• Example: Items in a shopping cart, icons in a toolbar.

Proximity

Similarity Principle

• Elements with similar characteristics are perceived as belonging together.
• Example: Uniform color, shape, or size.

Similarity

Closure Principle

• We tend to complete incomplete shapes to make sense of the design.
• Example: The EA Games logo.

Closure

Continuation Principle

• Our eyes follow a continuous line or path.
• Example: Flowing lines in a logo or website design.

Continuation

Why Are These Principles Important?

• They help guide the viewer's eye.
• They create visual harmony.
• They make designs more intuitive and engaging.

Recap

• We've covered the basics of Gestalt Design Principles:
  • Proximity
  • Similarity
  • Closure
  • Continuation
• There are up to 7 principles depending on who you ask.
• Use these when you design a UI!