From our week 5 lecture, we have been introduced to the Gestalt theory which revolves around Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka and Wolfgang Kohler's application of ‘the whole is different from the sum of its parts’. One of the main aims of this approach is to generate awareness & insight. Below is a brief exercise to test your level of awareness before we digest the Gestalt Theory in-depth.
In the field of psychology, Gestalt Theory is referred to as ‘unified whole’. They believed that visual perception is the result of combination of different sensual elements as opposed to single element. In this entry, I will explain three Gestalt principles namely the law of similarity, the law of proximity, and the law of pragnantz.
1) Law of similarity
According to Lester (1995), ‘The law of similarity states that, given a choice by the brain, you will select the simplest and most stable form to concentrate on. This law stresses the importance of basic shapes in the form of squares, circles and triangles.’ This means that we tend to group things according to the basic formation and we try to interpret meanings from it. The law holds that our brain is able to identify patterns first rather than separate objects. The picture below shows that people would recognize the blue dot as a line.
2) Law of proximity
This law claims that our minds would group two or more things when they appear to be closer and we consider them as one object. From the newspaper, the law suggest than our minds would link the photograph with the story because of their proximity.
3) Law of pragnantz
This law is also known as 'figure and ground' whereby when two our more pictures are group together, we tend to see an image in a simplest manner. The figure below shows a picture of a child and an adult, but we can also see the African continent.
2) Law of proximity
This law claims that our minds would group two or more things when they appear to be closer and we consider them as one object. From the newspaper, the law suggest than our minds would link the photograph with the story because of their proximity.
3) Law of pragnantz
This law is also known as 'figure and ground' whereby when two our more pictures are group together, we tend to see an image in a simplest manner. The figure below shows a picture of a child and an adult, but we can also see the African continent.
References:
Gestalt Theory: Oneness and Integrated Wholeness. Retrieved from http://www.gestalttheory.com/concepts
Lester, P.M. (1995). The sensual and perceptual theories of visual communication. Visual images with messages (52-58). California:Wadsworth Publishing.
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