VISUALORDER

content

figure/ground

similarityproximityclosure

continuance

translationrotation

reflectionglide/reflection

dilation

structured space

symmetric balance

asymmetric balance

ambiguous balance

neutral balance

figure/ground we tend to see figures with similar characteristics—eg: shape, color, texture, etc. as belonging together.

similaritythe rule of distinction and grouping. the brain’s tendency to group together similar looking things.

proximitythe rule of visual unity. the brain’s tendency to group things that are close together.

closurethe rule of completetion. the brain’s tendancy to complete incomplete things.

continuancethe rule of visual illusion. the brain’s tendency to created implied movement from pattern. The rule of visual

illusion. The brain’s tendency to created implied movement from pattern.

translationto move a figure in any way.

rotationa shape moves along a set point by a certain degree multiple times. the end results in a circular shape.

reflectiona shape reflects. like a mirror.

dilationA shape gets bigger or smaller.

dilationA shape gets bigger or smaller.

glide/reflection

a shape reflects, then glides to another location.

structure 1

structure 2

structure 3

structure 4

structure 5

structure 6

symmetric balancea direct similarity in shape, shize, and arrangement between two shapes on opposite sides of a plane, line, or point.

symmetric balancea direct similarity in shape, shize, and arrangement between two shapes on opposite sides of a plane, line, or point.

asymmetric balancethe opposite of symmetrical. this does not imply there is no balance in teh composition, but that the comosition

is not a mirror image split down the center.

ambiguous balancea composition with no clear vocal point. the elements seem to be randomly placed, carrying the viewer’s eye around

the composition with no single point of dominace.

neutral balancea composition in which the elements relate randomly and are free of pattern. there can be underlying structure, but it can

also be broken.

hayley books, 9/21/12

completed as a requirement for visual communication in the

graphic design department at the kansas city art institute.

michael kidwell, assistant professor.