Proximity
- The concept underlying the concept of proximity is grouping. When we have a group of objects, we tend to see them as forming a group.
Similarity
- We’ve already seen this illustrated left — an example of parts of a whole (totality) working together to achieve a specific goal.
We group things perceptually if they appear similar to one another. This is also why so many designers prefer to use blue, underlined links, or at least have all the links appear distinct and the same as each other.
Prägnanz (Figure-Ground)
- The "figure-ground" principle has to do with objects portrayed against a background.
- Our perception of the figure-ground relationship allows us to organize what we see by how each object relates to others.
– Andy Rutledge
Continuation
- Continuation occurs when the eye is compelled to move through one object and continue to another object.
Closure
- Closure means that we "close" objects that are themselves not complete; not only completing the figure in our perception, but perceiving the figure as having an extra element of aesthetic design; we look for a simple, recognizable pattern.