visual
order
figure/ground similarity proximity closure comtinuance translation rotation reflection glide/reflection dilation structured space symmetric balance asymmetric balance ambiguous balance neutral balance
figure/ground
The spacial relationship between an object (positive space) and it’s background (negative space)
Similarity
Objects that share similar visual characteristics are often viewed as belonging together.
Similar objects that are placed close to one another are often perceived to be in a group.
P
R
O
x
I M
I T Y
Viewing an incomplete object and wanting to mentally compl te it.
Con tinuance
A group of figures / objects
that are arranged to imply movement through the group.
The repe repe tition of a titio n ob n sp ject aced que with nce i n u and each nifo inte rm s rval es.
Turning an object around a predetermined axis often implies movement/ continuance. Causes the viewer’s eye to follow a path created by the object(s).
n o i t a t o R
Reflection
The placement of a figure on a plane of 180 degrees. Achieves the same effect as seeing the duplicate of a figure in the mirror.
Turning an object around a predetermined axis often implies movement/ continuance. Causes the viewer’s eye to follow a path created by the object(s).
Dilation of
Th
e
an rep ob etit jec ion t c an o d sp upl ch ac ed an in w ge g. ith in un si ifo ze rm
Structure 1
Structure 2
Structure 3
Structure 4
Structure 5
Structure 6
Symmetric Balance A form of balance characterized by similar objects placed on opposite sides of a central axis, but the placement creates a uniform, equal, proportionate composition.
A form of balance characterized by objects being placed on opposite sides of a central axis but the placement of the items causes the composition to appear unequal and non-uniform. It does not look proportionate.
tric me ym ce As lan Ba
Ambiguous Balance
A form of balance characterized by it’s undecided nature. The objects in the composition do not clearly or directly relate to one another.
lA form of ba ance charac terized by it’s random and haphazard f placement o re objects. The mis no clear e phasis.
Neutral Balance
Š nick howland, 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.