Gestalt and Design: Pragnanz
This week's post will be the final installment of the Gestalt and design series. It focuses on the law of pragnanz, also known as the ‘law of simplicity’ and ‘law of good figure’
Law of Pragnanz
Visual elements are perceived in the simplest way possible.
When looking at image a, rather than seeing a complex shape, the mind simplifies it into a circle square and triangle as seen in image b.
More complicated visual elements require more processing power so by simplification prevents the user from being overwhelmed in information overdrive.
The image above shows two different wireframe concepts for a website. Wireframes are extremely useful to design and communicate new ideas as they are easy to scan without getting lost in the content.
Designs make use of the simplicity law by simplifying elements, creating familiar patterns, and avoiding complexities so users don’t have to use as much cognitive effort to simplify it themselves.
Using simple shapes that users will easily recognize makes it easier for a user to determine what a visual element is.
Minimalism is a trend that has grown from simplicity. In the image above, the contents of the site are only the most necessary elements. By not including anything extra it is easy for the user to navigate.
When the majority of a site is clean and simplistic, it allows for more emphasis on the content. That is what happens in the image of a photography portfolio above as the photographs stand out with no distraction.
Sources:
- https://www.interaction-design.org/courses/gestalt-psychology-and-web-design-the-ultimate-guide
- https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2014/03/design-principles-visual-perception-and-the-principles-of-gestalt
- https://www.flowmapp.com/glossary-term/law-of-pragnanz
Check out the other articles in the Gestalt and Design series
