Gestaut Principles and Web Design

Having a degree in psychology, I found this part of the course very interesting due to my familiarity with and interest in human perception.

Gestalt Theory is based on the following principles:

1. The Law of Proximity states that when we perceive a collection of objects, we will see objects close to each other as forming a group.
2. The Law of Similarity captures the idea that elements will be grouped perceptually if they are similar to each other.
3. The Law of Pragnanz that captures the idea that in perceiving a visual field, some objects take a prominent role (the figures) while others recede into the background (the ground). The visual field is thus divided into these two basic parts – figure and ground.
4. The Law of Symmetry captures the idea that when we perceive objects we tend to perceive them as symmetrical shapes that form around their centre.
5. The Law of Closure states that we perceptually close up, or complete, objects that are not, in fact, complete.

Source: http://www.interaction-design.org/encyclopedia/gestalt_principles_of_form_perception.html


In doing some internet research on Gestalt Principles of Web Design, I came across a site worth noting. It is made available from the University of Saskatchewan and provides plenty of information with illustrated demonstrations for the following:

Classic Design Theory

• line
• shape
• space
• texture
• value
• colour
• movement
• emphasis
• balance
• unity

Gestalt Principles of Perception

• How we perceive things in our environment

Human-Computer Interface Design

• Principles to be considered in the interface between people and computers

Source: http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/theory.htm