visual order

or_der.

content

figure/ground

similarity

proximity

closure

continuance

translation

rotation

reflection

glide/reflection

dilation

symmetric balance

asymmetric balance

ambiguous balance

neutral balance

figure/ground

the distinction between foreground and background using a main figure

similarity

characteristics are shared between figures that create a visual link

proximity

spacing between figures create juxtaposition and groups

closure

the brain perceives imagery created by using negative space

continuance

objects or symbols lead the eye in a certain direction, continuing the viewing experience

translation

the sliding of an object to the left or right without adjusting its rotation

rotation

the rotation of an object independent of degree

reflection

the object of focus is mirrored

glide/reflection

an object is reflected two ways and arranged in a pattern

dilation

a system where an object gets smaller or larger based on a system of points and measurements

symmetric balance

balance is distributed equally on each side

asymmetric balance

balance is displaced evenly across the composition but with unequal placement and shapes

ambiguous balance

balance is uneven and unclear

neutral balance

balance is random, objects are random and there is a lack of emphasis

Chris Meier, 9/19/13

completed as a requirement for visual communication course in the

graphic design program at the kansas city art institute.

michael kidwell, assistant professor.