pragnanz
The word pragnanz is derived from a German term that means "good figure". This is why the Law of Pragnanz is also
known as the Law of Good Figure or the Law of Simplicity and is the central law of Gestalt Psychology. This law
states that when a pattern is viewed it is broken down and perceived as the simplest form
of an object. For example the picture on the left is perceived as a triangle and a square instead
of a compilation of complex shapes (Goldstein 105).
known as the Law of Good Figure or the Law of Simplicity and is the central law of Gestalt Psychology. This law
states that when a pattern is viewed it is broken down and perceived as the simplest form
of an object. For example the picture on the left is perceived as a triangle and a square instead
of a compilation of complex shapes (Goldstein 105).
similarity
The Law of Similarity states that similar objects are perceived as being grouped together.
The picture on the left displays a group of squares and circles. It is easy to group the similar
shapes together, seeing the squares forming a cross while the circles are grouped
together outside of it (Goldstein 105).
The picture on the left displays a group of squares and circles. It is easy to group the similar
shapes together, seeing the squares forming a cross while the circles are grouped
together outside of it (Goldstein 105).
Proximity
This law explains that objects that are in close proximity appear to be grouped together.
The maroon dots are perceived as paw print because of their close proximity (Goldstein 106).
The maroon dots are perceived as paw print because of their close proximity (Goldstein 106).
Common Fate
The Law of Common Fate informs us that objects moving in the same direction appear to be
grouped together. In the case that these dots were mobile, those moving forward would be
grouped apart from those moving downward.(Goldstein 106).
grouped together. In the case that these dots were mobile, those moving forward would be
grouped apart from those moving downward.(Goldstein 106).
Meaningfullness or Similarity
"According to the law of familiarity things that form patterns that are familiar or meaningful are likely to
become grouped together (Goldstein 107)." A triangle, square, and triangle are grouped together when they
form a familiar object such as the house on the left. Below is a video that displays a few examples of this
(Goldstein 107).
become grouped together (Goldstein 107)." A triangle, square, and triangle are grouped together when they
form a familiar object such as the house on the left. Below is a video that displays a few examples of this
(Goldstein 107).
Good continuation
The Law of Good Continuation is illustrated in the figure on the left. It displays that when connected points
result in smoothly curving lines, the lines tend to be viewed in a way that follows the smoothest path. In this
example one would perceive the figure as two smooth intersecting lines rather than a jagged or complicated
path of lines.
result in smoothly curving lines, the lines tend to be viewed in a way that follows the smoothest path. In this
example one would perceive the figure as two smooth intersecting lines rather than a jagged or complicated
path of lines.