Chapter 4: Gestalt
4.2 The Law of Figure-Ground
We organize our observation by separating the foreground and background from one another.
4.3 The Law of Simplicity
Objects are perceived in their simplest form.
4.4 The Law of Proximity
Elements that are close together are seen as a group. Elements that are far apart are seen as
independent from one another.
4.5 The Law of Similarity
Elements that look alike are perceived as a group. Elements that are very different from one another
are perceived as separate elements.
4.6 The Law of Symmetry
Symmetrical images are experienced as a unit, even if they are some distance apart.
4.7 The Law of Similar Background
Objects with a similar background form a unit.
4.8 The Law of Common Fate
Things that move in the same direction are seen as a unit.
4.9 The Law of Closure
Even if a visual stimulus is absent, our brains fill in the missing part.
4.10 The Law of Enclosure
Objects surrounded by a line are perceived as a unit. Objects separated from one another by a line
are perceived as separate elements.
4.11 The Law of Gap-Filling
Things that are missing are filled in by our brains to form a logical connection.
4.12 The Law of Continuity
Objects that are placed in a continuous line or sequence are seen as a unit and connected to one
another in time and/or place.
4.13 The Law of Experience
We tend to compare objects that we observe and to connect them with things we already know.
4.2 The Law of Figure-Ground
We organize our observation by separating the foreground and background from one another.
4.3 The Law of Simplicity
Objects are perceived in their simplest form.
4.4 The Law of Proximity
Elements that are close together are seen as a group. Elements that are far apart are seen as
independent from one another.
4.5 The Law of Similarity
Elements that look alike are perceived as a group. Elements that are very different from one another
are perceived as separate elements.
4.6 The Law of Symmetry
Symmetrical images are experienced as a unit, even if they are some distance apart.
4.7 The Law of Similar Background
Objects with a similar background form a unit.
4.8 The Law of Common Fate
Things that move in the same direction are seen as a unit.
4.9 The Law of Closure
Even if a visual stimulus is absent, our brains fill in the missing part.
4.10 The Law of Enclosure
Objects surrounded by a line are perceived as a unit. Objects separated from one another by a line
are perceived as separate elements.
4.11 The Law of Gap-Filling
Things that are missing are filled in by our brains to form a logical connection.
4.12 The Law of Continuity
Objects that are placed in a continuous line or sequence are seen as a unit and connected to one
another in time and/or place.
4.13 The Law of Experience
We tend to compare objects that we observe and to connect them with things we already know.
