Gestalt Psychology

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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.

Gestalt is the German word for "form," and as it applied in gestalt psychology it means "unified whole" or " configuration." The essential point of gestalt is that in perception the whole is different from the sum of its parts. Gestalt psychologists developed five laws that govern human perception:

The whole is different from the sum of the parts

1. Law of Proximity
2. Law of Similarity
3. Law of Good Continuation
4. Law of Closure
5. Law of Prägnanz (good form)
6. Law of Figure/Ground