VISUAL ORDER
content figure/ground similarity proximity closure continuance translation rotation reflection glide/reflection dilation
structured space symmetric balance asymmetric balance ambiguous balance neutral balance
figure/ground
we tend to see figures with similar characteristics—eg: shape, color, texture, etc. as belonging together.
similarity
the rule of distinction and grouping. the brain’s tendency to group together similar looking things.
proximity
the rule of visual unity. the brain’s tendency to group things that are close together.
closure
the rule of completetion. the brain’s tendancy to complete incomplete things.
continuance
the rule of visual illusion. the brain’s tendency to created implied movement from pattern. The rule of visual illusion. The brain’s tendency to created implied movement from pattern.
translation to move a figure in any way.
rotation
a shape moves along a set point by a certain degree multiple times. the end results in a circular shape.
reflection a shape reflects. like a mirror.
dilation
A shape gets bigger or smaller.
dilation glide/reflection A shape gets bigger or smaller.
a shape reflects, then glides to another location.
structure 1
structure 2
structure 3
structure 4
structure 5
structure 6
symmetric balance
a direct similarity in shape, shize, and arrangement between two shapes on opposite sides of a plane, line, or point.
asymmetric balance
the opposite of symmetrical. this does not imply there is no balance in teh composition, but that the comosition is not a mirror image split down the center.
ambiguous balance
a composition with no clear vocal point. the elements seem to be randomly placed, carrying the viewer’s eye around the composition with no single point of dominace.
neutral balance
a composition in which the elements relate randomly and are free of pattern. there can be underlying structure, but it can also be broken.
hayley books, 9/21/12 completed as a requirement for visual communication in the graphic design department at the kansas city art institute. michael kidwell, assistant professor.