visual
order
contents
figure/ground similarity proximity closure continuance 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
proximity
similar objects that are placed close to one another
are often perceived to be in a group.
to mentally complete it.
viewing an incomplete object and wanting
closure
e c n a u n i t n co
n arra
e t ar tha s p. t rou jec g b o e es / h th gur oug r fi h f t po ent rou vem ag o ly m imp
ged
to
tran slati on
the
repe
titio
n o f an
obje
ct w
ith e
ach
repi
t io n sp a
ced
in u
nifo
rm s
eq
uen
ce a
nd i
nter
vals
rotation
turning an object around a predetermined
axis often implies movement/ continuance. this causes the viewer’s eye to follow a path created by the object(s).
reflection
the placement of a figure on a plane of 180 degrees. achieves the same effect as seeing the duplicate of a figure in a mirror
glide/reflection
mirroring an object and then shifting it down a predetermined axis
dilation
the repetition and change in size of
an object coupled with uniform spacing.
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.
asymmetric balance
a form of balance characterized by objects being placed on opposite sides of a central axis but the placement of the
items cause the composition to appear unequal and nonuniform. it does not look proportionate.
ambiguous balance
a form of balance characterized by its undecided nature. the objects in the composition do not clearly or directly relate to one another.
neutral balance
terized ance charac a form of bal . the ided nature by it’s undec n do e compositio objects in th te to directly rela not clearly or . one another
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.