Giving them the same color removes the additional cognitive load imposed by the disruptive use of varying colors in the chart on the left, and makes it much easier for us to compare and find points of interest. In the chart on the right, we have made the bar graphs all the same color - they are all the same light blue color. However, we can improve the design a bit more by using the Gestalt law of Similarity. We can find the top performer using the first chart easily because we used the laws of Prägnanz and Continuity. Let’s see how we can apply this to our “Sales by Salesperson” chart example. This Gestalt law theorizes that objects with similar characteristics - similar colors, similar shapes, similar sizes, similar orientation, etc. Lesson: Align elements linearly to facilitate comparison of different items that are in a related grouping. In the chart on the right below, the eyes follow a continuous path it makes the whole chart more readable because of the continuous downward direction. In the left chart below, there are abrupt directional changes. Let’s go back to our “Sales by Salesperson” chart example. The law of continuity states that our eyes instinctively group things that are aligned with each other. Look below to see which of the two charts is easier to use: The one in which the data is disorganized (left) or the chart which has ordered the data from highest sales to lowest (right): Lesson: Arrange data logically and systematically at every opportunity. Let’s say you want to identify the top performer of the quarter from a “Sales by Salesperson” chart. The law of Prägnanz states that the human brain loves simplicity and it tends to process simple patterns - patterns that are regular, even, and orderly - faster than patterns that are more complex.
#Gestalt law of similarity full#
Prägnanz is a German word that means “pithiness.” Pithiness is the act of being concise and full of meaning/substance. The law of Prägnanz is the central law of Gestalt. Let us cover some of the Gestalt laws that are relevant to enhancing data visualization graphics. None of the Gestalt laws work in isolation, and in any given scenario, you can find the interplay of two or more of these laws. Understanding and applying these laws within the scope of charting and data visualization can help our users identify patterns that matter, quickly and efficiently. These laws provide us a framework for explaining how human perception works. Today, however, this set of laws finds relevance in a multitude of disciplines and industries like design, linguistics, musicology, architecture, visual communication, and more. Gestalt laws originate from the field of psychology.
![gestalt law of similarity gestalt law of similarity](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/thelifecycleofawireframe-090602113915-phpapp02/95/the-life-cycle-of-a-wireframe-42-728.jpg)
For broader implementation tips of Gestalt laws, please read Gestalt Principles Applied in Design.
#Gestalt law of similarity how to#
In this guide, we will talk about how to apply the principles of Gestalt to create better charts, graphs, and data visualization graphics.
![gestalt law of similarity gestalt law of similarity](http://www.teaching.louisabufardeci.net/111/files/weblog/designTips/worksheets/gestalt_common-fate.gif)
Gestalt laws can aid us in conceptualizing good symmetry in our designs.Gestalt laws can help us achieve better visual hierarchy.These laws can help designers produce better designs. Gestalt psychology, also referred to gestaltism, is a set of laws that accounts for how we perceive or intuit patterns and conclusions from the things we see. The human mind’s affinity for making sense of the objects it sees can be explained in a theory called Gestalt psychology. We love to make sense of the world around us.