Gestalt in visualizations
Gestalt principles or laws are rules that describe how the human eye perceives visual elements. These principles aim to show how complex scenes can be reduced to more simple shapes. They also aim to explain how the eyes perceive the shapes as a single, united form rather than the separate simpler elements involved.
“Gestalt” refers to “shape” or “form” in German; the principles — originally developed by Max Wertheimer (1880–1943), an Austro-Hungarian-born psychologist. — were improved later by Wolfgang Köhler (1929), Kurt Koffka (1935), and Wolfgang Metzger (1936).
Researchers have integrated all of these theories to show how people unconsciously connect and link design elements. Here are some examples of how they manifest in the work of data visualization-
Similarity
The human eye tends to build a relationship between similar elements within a design. Similarity can be achieved using basic elements such as shapes, colors, and size.
Continuation
The human eye follows the paths, lines, and curves of the design, and prefers to see a continuous flow of visual elements rather than separated objects.
Closure
The human eye prefers to see complete shapes. If the visual elements are not complete, the user can perceive a complete shape by filling in missing visual information.
Proximity
Simple shapes arranged together can create a more complex image.
Figure/Ground
The human eye isolates shapes from backgrounds.
Symmetry and order
The design should be balanced and complete; otherwise, the user will spend time and effort trying to perceive an overall picture.
Connectedness
Elements that are connected by uniform visual properties are perceived as being more related than elements that are not connected.
Relative Size
Shapes can be perceived by their perceived size.
Information Visualization: Perception for Design by Colin Ware
https://www.amazon.com/Information-Visualization-Perception-Interactive-Technologies/dp/0123814642
