1. 7
How many squares are there?

2. Gestalt = “Unified whole”
Gestalt Principles
Gestalt = “Unified whole”
Read the explanation on page 196, and write your own definition for Gestalt principles

3. Figure-Ground
The eye differentiates an object from its surrounding area.
A form, silhouette, or shape is naturally perceived as figure (object), while the surrounding area is perceived as ground (background).
Balancing figure and ground can make the perceived image more clear.

4. What is the ‘figure’? What is the ‘ground’
Complete your own definition of figure-ground

5. Closure
Occurs when an object is incomplete or a space is not completely enclosed.
It is the tendency to ‘close’ or ignore the gaps in stimuli, and perceive it as complete

6. Write a definition for closure
What do you see?
We see three black circles covered by a white triangle, even through it could just as easily be three incomplete circles joined together.
Our minds react to patterns that are familiar, even though we often receive incomplete information

7. Similarity
The principle of similarity states that things which share visual characteristics such as shape, size, color, texture, value or orientation will be seen as belonging together.
It is the tendency to perceive that stimuli or parts of a stimuli that have similar features as one part of a whole

8. Write a definition for similarity
What do you see?
We group together the similar objects (dark blue circles) to perceive a number five
Write a definition for similarity

9. Proximity
Proximity occurs when elements are placed close together. They tend to be perceived as a group.
The nine squares above are placed without proximity. They are perceived as separate shapes.
When the squares are given close proximity, unity occurs. While they continue to be separate shapes, they are now perceived as one group.

10. Write a definition for proximity
How do you see these grouped?
Because of proximity, we see two groups, each containing two lines of circles, rather than four separate lines of circles.

11. What are these pictures examples of?
MINI TEST
What are these pictures examples of?

12. Similarity

13. Figure-ground

14. Proximity

15. Closure

16. Finally…
Complete the Gestalt principles worksheet. What you don’t finish is homework!