Gestalt

aby augustine Nitte Institute of Communication

Gestalt
Gestalt is a general description for the
concepts that make unity and variety
possible in design. It is a German word
that roughly translates as "whole" or
"form."
Gestalt theory
• Gestalt theory is involved with visual perception
and the psychology of art among other things.
• It is concerned with the relationship between the
parts and the whole of a composition.

The visual world is so complex that the

mind has developed strategies for
coping with the confusion. The mind
tries to find the simplest solution to a
problem.
5 gestalt concepts
• Closure
• Continuance
• Similarity
• Proximity
• Alignment
Closure
Gestalt perception centers around the
recognition that the whole is more than the
sum of its parts
Continuance
Continuation occurs when the eye is compelled
to move through one object and continue to
another object.
Similarity
Similarity occurs when objects look similar to one
another. People often perceive them as a group or
pattern

Unity occurs because the

triangular shapes at the
bottom of the eagle
symbol look similar to the
shapes that form the
sunburst
When similarity occurs, an
object can be emphasised if
it isdissimilar to the others.
This is called anomally
Proximity
Proximity occurs when elements are placed
close together. They tend to be perceived as a
group
Alignment
Lining up objects in the format is a powerful way
to create Gestalt. Alignment establishes a
reconcilable order in a composition. Alignments
can be obvious or subtle. Alignment creates unity
and balance.