GESTALT PRINCIPLES CHEAT SHEETS BY FIELD

INTERIOR DESIGN

PRINCIPLE	INTERIOR DESIGN	Bedroom	Kitchen / Dining Room	Garden / Landscape
Proximity	Sofa and chairs grouped closely with coffee table and rug	Bed, nightstands, and lamps grouped together	Table and chairs grouped together	Shrubs and flowers planted close together along a path
Similarity	Matching cushions, lamps, and frames	Matching pillows, rugs, and curtains	Matching plates, glassware, and pendant lights	Repeating shapes and colors in flower beds and planters
Continuity	Row of shelves or artwork leads the eye to the fireplace	Framed photos lead the eye across the wall above the dresser	Cabinets and open shelves guide the eye along the wall	Winding path guides the eye toward the front door
Closure	Round rug partially tucked under sofa implies a complete circle	Circular mirror above the bed forms a perceived complete shape	Circular rug under table implies a complete shape even if partly hidden	Archway or trellis frames the walkway
Figure-Ground	Bold armchair pops against a neutral wall	Brightly colored chair stands out against neutral walls	Bright vase contrasts with neutral countertop	Bright bench or sculpture stands out against foliage
Symmetry / Balance	Identical chairs flank a console	Nightstands on either side of the bed	Chairs on either side of table	Symmetrical plantings along the path
Visual Hierarchy	Bright rug anchors the seating area	Bold throw blanket highlights the bed as focal point	Patterned table runner draws attention to the table	Striking tree or fountain draws attention as focal point

Gestalt Principles in Graphic Design


  
      Principle
      Layout / Print
      Typography
      Branding / Logo
      Web / Digital
    

  
      Proximity
      Related content grouped together in columns or grids
      Headings and subheadings grouped with related body text
      Logo elements grouped for cohesion
      Navigation items grouped logically
    

      Similarity
      Consistent use of colors, shapes, and patterns
      Uniform font styles and weights
      Repeated brand colors or shapes
      Consistent button styles, icons, and typography
    

      Continuity
      Lines, arrows, or visual cues guide the eye across the page
      Text flow directs reading order
      Logo shapes lead the eye naturally through the design
      Visual paths guide users through content
    

      Closure
      Partially cropped images imply complete forms
      Letterforms or shapes hint at complete patterns
      Broken shapes imply complete logos
      Icons partially framed imply whole symbols
    

      Figure-Ground
      Images or elements pop against background
      Text contrasted from background for readability
      Logo stands out from surrounding space
      Buttons or key UI elements contrast with background
    

      Symmetry / Balance
      Balanced grid layouts
      Evenly spaced text blocks
      Symmetrical logo compositions
      Balanced UI element placement
    

      Visual Hierarchy
      Size, color, or contrast emphasizes key content
      Headings larger than body text to guide reading
      Primary logo element emphasized
      Highlighted buttons or banners guide user attention
    

Gestalt Principles in Illustration


  
      Principle
      Character / Figures
      Environment / Background
      Composition / Scene
      Color / Texture
    

  
      Proximity
      Characters grouped to show relationships
      Buildings or objects clustered logically
      Elements placed close to guide narrative flow
      Similar textures grouped visually
    

      Similarity
      Uniform costume, silhouette, or features
      Repeating shapes in architecture or foliage
      Consistent visual motifs unify scene
      Repeated color schemes or textures
    

      Continuity
      Poses lead eye across character group
      Paths or perspective lines guide viewer
      Line work or shapes create smooth visual flow
      Gradients or textures guide eye through composition
    

      Closure
      Partially drawn limbs suggest full figure
      Buildings or objects partially cropped imply form
      Negative space suggests complete shapes
      Incomplete patterns read as whole
    

      Figure-Ground
      Main character pops against background
      Foreground elements contrast with back
      Focus drawn to primary scene elements
      Colors or textures separate main forms
    

      Symmetry / Balance
      Character placement balances scene
      Buildings or objects mirrored or balanced
      Elements arranged evenly for harmony
      Color distribution balances composition
    

      Visual Hierarchy
      Key character or action emphasized
      Important elements highlighted via size or contrast
      Primary scene focal points emphasized
      Color or texture cues draw viewer’s attention
    

Gestalt Principles in Game Art


  
      Principle
      Level / Environment
      Character / NPC
      UI / HUD
      Outdoor / World
    

  
      Proximity
      Grouped obstacles or interactive objects form zones
      NPCs or enemies clustered indicate factions
      Related buttons/icons grouped
      Trees, rocks, foliage grouped to form zones or landmarks
    

      Similarity
      Repeating textures, colors, or shapes unify platforms
      Similar costume colors/patterns unify teams
      Consistent fonts, colors, and icon shapes
      Repeating terrain patterns or props unify areas
    

      Continuity
      Pathways, roads, rivers guide player’s eye
      Characters in motion lead visual flow
      Sequential placement of menu items
      Rivers, roads, or ridges guide exploration
    

      Closure
      Partially visible objects suggest hidden areas
      Partially occluded characters imply full form
      Overlapping icons imply complete symbols
      Archways, ruins, or cliff edges suggest structures
    

      Figure-Ground
      Important items or NPCs pop against background
      Main character or boss highlighted via contrast
      Active buttons or notifications stand out
      Unique props or NPCs stand out against environment
    

      Symmetry / Balance
      Symmetrical structures or hazards balance level
      Allies/enemies symmetrically arranged
      HUD elements symmetrically placed
      Symmetrical plazas, bridges, or buildings balance space
    

      Visual Hierarchy
      Lighting, particle effects, or color highlight objectives
      Glowing weapons, bright armor indicate focal points
      Bright or animated elements indicate priority
      Key collectibles, glowing portals, or light beams draw attention
    

Gestalt Principles in Fashion Design


  
      Principle
      Garment Design
      Accessory Coordination
      Color & Pattern
      Fashion Presentation / Runway
    

  
      Proximity
      Design elements like seams, panels, or pockets grouped together
      Matching accessories arranged in sets or layered
      Repeating color blocks in fabric sections
      Models positioned close to highlight ensembles
    

      Similarity
      Repeating stitching, trims, or patterns unify the design
      Accessories with similar materials or shapes
      Matching color tones or motifs across garment pieces
      Similar styling or color themes across models
    

      Continuity
      Seam lines, folds, or patterns guide the eye through the garment
      Chains, straps, or belts visually lead the viewer
      Color gradients or prints create smooth visual flow
      Model movement or lineup directs audience’s eye along collection
    

      Closure
      Partially visible pattern or cut implies full shape
      Accessories suggest a complete look even if cropped
      Broken prints or motifs read as whole patterns
      Partial poses imply full form of clothing
    

      Figure-Ground
      Garment contrasts against model or background
      Accessory stands out against outfit or neutral background
      Color pops against contrasting elements
      Runway lighting highlights focal pieces
    

      Symmetry / Balance
      Balanced sleeve, collar, or panel arrangement
      Evenly spaced jewelry or accessories
      Balanced pattern placement across fabric
      Models arranged symmetrically on runway
    

      Visual Hierarchy
      Emphasized focal details like collars, buttons, or hems
      Statement accessory draws attention first
      Bold patterns or contrasting colors lead eye
      Runway spotlight or color guides audience focus
    