Module 2

Lecture -1

Understanding basic principles of perception including depth and its representation.

Initially let us take the reference of Gestalt law in order to have an understanding of the basic principles of visual perception. Gestalt is the German word for "form," and it is applied in Gestalt psychology. It means "unified whole" or “configuration." The essential idea of gestalt is that in perception the whole is different from the sum of its parts. Gestalt psychologists developed six laws that govern human perception:

These are the laws:

1.  Proximity.

2.  Good Continuation.

3.  Closure.

4.  Good form.

5.  Figure/Ground.

In graphic design, it is very important to know gestalt theory because it allows us to predict how viewers respond to design. It does not only assure that our intention will be understood correctly by the viewers, but it also helps us to create a dynamic design.

Fig.25 The whole is different from the sum of the parts

Law of Proximity:

Elements that are closer together will be perceived as a coherent object. We see the first image in horizontal orientation because horizontal circles are closer than the vertical ones and in the second image we see the circles in a vertical orientation because vertical circles are closer to each other than the horizontal circles.

Fig.26: Law of Proximity: circles that are closer are grouped together into a unit.