Writing Assignment 1

Identifying Gestalt Principles in Design Practice

Michael Sandrin 301192638 

Simon Fraser University

Professor Brian Fisher

 IAT201 D100 Spring 2014

 In Jeff Johnson’s text, Designing with the Mind in Mind, we are introduced to the seven Gestalt principles of visual perception. The first principle described to us is “Proximity,” which explains how the relative distance between objects effects our perception of weather and how the objects are organised into sub-groups (Johnson, 2010 p.11). We are then introduced to “Similarity,” the principle which explains why we feel that similar looking objects appear to be in the same group (Johnson, 2010 p.14). “Continuity” is the principle which explains how we see objects that follow a path to be connected as a whole form, and not as separate parts (Johnson, 2010 p.15). “Closure” is an ability of our visual system which attempts to close seemingly incomplete figures, seeing them as a whole objects (Johnson, 2010 p.17). Johnson informs us that the human visual system prefers to simplify complex figures by finding a form of “symmetry” within them (Johnson, 2010 p.18). When we perceive things, our minds have the ability, which is known as “Figure and ground,” to distinguish between a “figure” portion and a “background” portion in the visual field (Johnson, 2010 p.19). The final principle we learn about is “Common Fate,” which is used to describe how we perceive objects that physically move together, as part of the same group (Johnson, 2010 p.22). Johnson closes the chapter by mentioning that humans use these principles constantly in unison, and rarely is a single principle ever used on its own.

In chapter five of his book, Designing with the Mind in Mind, Jeff Johnson tells us that our vision is optimised to see structure. In order to comprehend what he means by this, we first need to understand our visual systems. Our visual system starts with taking input through our senses, which create an outline of the world around us. Our mind then takes this input, which is only considered as “disconnected parts” at first, and imposes structure into it (Johnson, 2010). In this step of the process, the mind uses functions, which can be explained by the Gestalt Principles, to enable us to see figures and shapes as whole objects. The principles “proximity”, “similarity”, and common fate” all explain why and how our mind groups objects into sub-groups. Our brain depends on “continuity” and “closure” to make a whole picture from the disconnected parts taken from the input. “Symmetry” is used to simplify any figures our brains deem too complex into simpler forms that are easier for us to understand. Finally, “Figure and ground” is responsible for helping us to distinguish between the primary object in focus and the background beyond, which helps us to see a definitive hierarchy. By understanding what the Gestalt principles are, we can thoroughly explain how our minds create a whole perspective of the world, from what could otherwise be perceived as insignificant, separate parts. Having the knowledge of these principles is important for designers, since knowing how our visual systems work allows us to create more intuitive user interfaces.

Johnson, J. (2010). Designing with the Mind in Mind: Simple Guide to Understanding User Interface Design Rules. Amsterdam: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers/Elsevier