content

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 fundamental law of perception that allows us to “read” imagery.

similaritywe tend to see figures with similar characteristics—eg: shape, color, texture, etc. as belonging together.

proximitywe tend to see figures with similar characteristics—eg: shape, color, texture, etc. as belonging together.

closurewe tend to visually “close” or “complete” figures that seem open or unresolved

continuancewe tend to see figures that are arranged a certain way as continuing beyond what can be seen.

translationmoving an object along a predetermined axis while retaining its shape and proportions

rotationrotating a figure around a fixed point while retaining its original size, shape and proportions

reflectionflipping an image over an imaginary axis so that it appears relected as though in a mirror

glide/reflectionreflecting a shape while simultaneously “gliding” it into a new position

dilationenlarging a shape while maintaining its original proportions.

structure 1

structure 2

structure 3

structure 4

structure 5

structure 6

symmetric balancecharacterized by a central axis and regularity, congruency, proportion, passivity, restfulness,

static, inactivity, and stability.

asymmetric balancecharacterized by irregular or unequal arrangements between compositional elements relative to

a central axis; dynamic, active, stressful, tense

ambiguous balancecharacterized by a lack of, or unclear, relationships between compositional elements; vague, indefinite

neutral balancecharacterized by randomness and ambiguous equilibrium; nonactive, lacking emphasis or contrast

lauren lanigan, © 2012

completed as a requirement for visual communication in the

graphic design department at the kansas city art institute.

michael kidwell, assistant professor.