visual order

figure/ground

similarity

proximity

closure

continuance

translation

rotation

reflection

glide/reflection

dilation

structure space

symmetric balance

assymetric balance

ambiguous balance

neutral balance

Content

figure/ground the relationship between foreground and background.

similarityIdentical visual elements will be seen together as groups.

proximityObjects closest to one another will appear as if they were in a group.

closureOur minds naturally connect the dots. We see closed shapes visually anchored.

continuanceCreates a sense of direction or movement with a line or curve.

continuanceCreates a sense of direction or movement with a line or curve.

translationmoving of all points in an object equally in any direction.

rotationan object turning around on an axis point.

reflectionan object acting as if it was reflecting itself.

glide/reflectiona reflection moving to another place on a line.

dilationthe enlargement of an object.

dilationthe enlargement of an object.

structure 1

structure 2

structure 3

structure 4

structure 5

structure 6

symmetric balanceWell-proportioned as a whole.

asymmetric balanceThere is no balance and symmetry in the object.

ambiguous balanceSomething that can be viewed as more than one thing.

ambiguous balanceSomething that can be viewed as more than one thing.

neutral balanceNot supporting a line or position.

© tracey lynn frye, september 20, 2012

completed as a requirement for visual communication in the

graphic design department at the kansas city art institute.

michael kidwell, assistant professor.