Before&After: Gestalt Theory: Proximity

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. When separate elements are grouped, they appear united just because they’re close, even if they’re not alike. This 7-page article from issue 52 of Before&After Magazine shows you how you can use Gestalt theory and group elements based on nearness .

Grouping creates a more organized presentation, which looks better and allows the viewer to read the information more easily.

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