Before&After: Gestalt Theory: Continuation

Early last century, psychologists in Austria and Germany developed a school of psychology called Gestalt, which attempts to explain human behavior in terms of pattern seeking. Gestalt theory explains how the eye organizes visual experiences and how the brain interprets them. Continuation is the eye’s instinctive tendency to follow a path. The path can be imagined or literal. This 7-page article from issue 51 of Before&After Magazine shows you how to use Gestalt theory to explain visual connections.

Gestalt is not design, but knowing the visual principles of Gestalt will give you a valuable design toolbox.

© John McWade/Before&After Magazine, courtesy of Gaye Anne McWade.