| So what is Gestalt Effect? It is a theory of mind and | | | | you use enough color to create the form of a site. |
| brain holding forth that the operational substance of | | | | Viewers like innovation, but don't like confusion. |
| the brain is holistic, parallel, and analog, with | | | | Rule Area: The smaller of 2 overlapping objects is |
| self-organizing proclivities. The Gestalt effect points | | | | seen as the figure. The larger is seen as ground. In |
| to the form-forming capability of our senses, | | | | web design we commonly layer objects and |
| especially with regard to the visual recognition of | | | | sometimes overly layer them. Just remember that |
| images and whole forms instead of just a grouping | | | | we want the visitor's eye to focus on the message |
| of ordinary lines and curves. | | | | of the site. Be careful to not overuse layering, you |
| Gestalt Principles | | | | might be distracting your visitor. |
| There are a number of gestalt principles, most of | | | | Rule Similarity: Things that are similar are perceived to |
| which are easily explained. But what should be | | | | be more related than things that are dissimilar. In |
| considered is how these principles relate to web | | | | design we want to draw attention to certain |
| design. Web Design is often thought of as cutting | | | | messaging in our sites, without neglecting the rest of |
| edge and flying by outside the box thinking. But we | | | | the site. Try to keep symbols and shapes consistent |
| also have all seen design which fails to connect with | | | | to maintain harmony on the page. |
| the user and ultimately leads to a high bounce rate. | | | | So remember, while the web is certainly pushing into |
| Therefore, we asked that you listen to what may | | | | new territory, we cannot forget the long ago learned |
| sound like antiquated theories and see how we may | | | | lessons of psychology and art. There are many |
| more effectively connect to our site's visitors. | | | | lessons to be learned by going back and studying all |
| Rule Figure/Ground: Elements are perceived as either | | | | schools of thought focusing on perception, not just |
| figure (element of focus) or ground; this is a great | | | | Gestalt. I urge you to look up Gestalt and see how |
| one to make note of right now. Everyone thinks that | | | | you can relate all of the principles to your every day |
| white space is the greatest thing since sliced bread. | | | | web design. |
| But sometimes, it can be too much. Be careful that | | | | |