Gestalt Principles explain how people group and understand visual information. As per it, instead of seeing separate parts, we tend to see organized, meaningful patterns.
In UI UX design, these principles help create layouts that match how users naturally see and understand things. This makes interfaces easier to use, more intuitive, and visually pleasing.
Not to be confused with
Visual Hierarchy
It refers to directing attention through contrast, scale, and placement, guiding the user’s eye to the most important elements.
Gestalt Principles in UI UX Design
Gestalt principles are important tools for UI UX designers. They help create interfaces that feel natural and easy for users. Here's a look at some of the more common ones.
- Proximity: Elements placed close together are perceived as a group, helping users understand related items.
- Similarity: Elements that share visual characteristics (color, shape, size) are perceived as related or having similar functions.
- Closure: The mind fills in gaps to perceive incomplete shapes as complete, allowing for more efficient designs.
- Continuity: When elements are in a line or curve, we see them as connected. This helps guide the user's eye through the content.
- Figure-Ground: The ability to distinguish objects (figures) from their surrounding area (ground), crucial for modal windows and overlays.
- Symmetry and Order: Balanced elements create stability and organization, making interfaces feel more trustworthy.
- Common Fate: Elements moving in the same direction are perceived as related, useful for animations and transitions
Applying Gestalt Principles
Applying Gestalt principles to your design can significantly improve usability and user experience. Here are a few ways in which you can apply these principles:
- Group related items closely so they look connected.
- Use the same style for similar functions to show they belong together.
- Add enough empty space to naturally separate and organize content.
- Keep form labels and fields visually linked for easy scanning.
- Guide users’ eyes along a clear path through complex information.
- Use symmetry for the most part, but break it around key spots to draw attention.
- Repeat the same animation cues for related actions.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
