visual_order.

contentcontentcontent

figure/ground

similarity

proximity

closure

continuance

translation

rotation

reflection

glide/reflection

dilation

structured space

symmetric balance

asymmetric balance

ambiguous balance

neutral balance

figure/ground a property of perception in which there is a tendency to see parts of a visual field as solid, well-defined objects standing out against a less distinct background.

similarity the idea of grouping objects that have akin attributes

similaritythe idea of grouping objects that have akin attributes

proximity the assemblage of elements that are so based upon the closenes to another one

proximity the assemblage of elements that are so based upon the closenes to another one

closure the unconscious need to complete an incomplete object.

closurethe unconscious need to complete an incomplete object.

continuancethe subtle directions masked-in to an object meant to grab the eye into fooling the brain that the thing has movement.

continuancethe subtle directions masked-in to an object meant to grab the eye into fooling the brain that the thing has movement.

translationSimply moving an object across a plane whilst keeping the size, shape, color, and other physical attributes the same.

translationSimply moving an object across a plane whilst keeping the size, shape, color, and other physical attributes the same.

rotation the act of moving an object a certain number of degrees any which way so long as there is an axis on which the object sits

rotationthe act of moving an object a certain number of degrees any which way so long as there is an axis on which the object sits

reflection the mirroring of an object over a horizontal or vertical axis

reflection the mirroring of an object over a horizontal or vertical axis.

dilationGetting smaller, getting bigger; essentially changing size and nothing else.

dilationGetting smaller, getting bigger; essentially changing size and nothing else.

glide/reflectionreflecting an object and then sliding it into another area so it isn’t a straight opposite

structurestructurestructure1

structurestructurestructure2

structurestructurestructure3

structurestructurestructure4

structurestructurestructure5

structurestructurestructure6

symmetric balancebeauty based on or characterized by such excellence of proportion.

asymmetric balanceDisproportion between two or more like parts; lacking symmetry

ambiguous balanceof doubtful or uncertain nature: difficult to comprehend, distinguish, classify

neutral balanceA standard definition of static equilibrium

© Jennifer Abate, 09/21/12

completed as a requirement for visual communication in the

graphic design department at the kansas city art institute.

michael kidwell, assistant professor.