3. Gestalt principles images: Include two images that demonstrate selected principles

 

World Wildlife Fund. Available http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full.html. February 28, 2011.

McDonald's Logo. Available http://engagesciences.com/blog/2011/01/28/mcdonalds-obesity-and-curation-of-the-social-web/mcdonalds-logo-608x468-6/. February 28, 2011.

Gestalt principles are visual perception theories developed by German psychologists in the early 1900’s. The famous phrase, “The whole is different from the sum of its parts” is often used to describe this set of theories.1 Therefore, combinations of sensations are used for visual perception, not single sensations to understand objects in our environment.

The Gestalt principle of symmetry is used in the McDonald’s golden arch logo. Both arches are equal in dimensions and a yellow color unifies the symbol. Good symmetry allows the viewer to see order in the structure. Without symmetry the viewer often searches for what is out of balance or what is wrong with the image. The simplicity and easy flow of its design has made it one of the most recognizable logos in the world.2

The Gestalt principle of closure is used in the World Wildlife Fund logo. The black and white panda illustrated in the logo does not have lines connecting the image; yet the view’s eye automatically closes them. Closure occurs by suggesting a visual connection between elements that do not unite; the whole is seen even when part of the image is absent.2

          1. Lester, Paul Martin. Visual Communication: Images with Messages (Belmont: Thompson Wadsworth, 2005), 51.         
          2. Tuck, Michael. “Gestalt Principles Applied in Design.” About.com.  http://desktoppub.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=desktoppub&cdn=compute&tm=3&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//sixrevisions.com/web_design/gestalt-principles-applied-in-design/ (accessed February 25, 2011).