ORDERVISUAL

content

figure/ground

similarity

proximity

closure

continuance

translation

rotation

reflection

glide/reflection

dilation

symmetric balance

asymmetric balance

ambiguous balance

neutral balance

figure/ground The relationship between an object and the background.

similarityObjects or things in a group that

have the same characteristics.

proximityThe space between objects including

or excluding into groups.

closureNatural tendances to see

forms inclosed in space.

continuancePerspective in shapes, letters, and

objects directing the eye.

translationA repetition of a form horizontally or

vertically across a surface.

rotationA form on acentral axis in which

our mind follows in a circular motion.

reflectionThe mirroring of a form from one side

to the other horizontaly or vertically.

glide/reflectionA form that is mirrored and moved diagonally up or down.

dilationThe change of size in objects by a percentage.

symmetric balanceA even balance of forms to imply perfect harmony.

asymmetric balanceForms that are visually unbalanced when given a central axis.

ambiguous balancean unclear relation between figures.

neutral balanceRandomness in figures missing contrast.

® Patrick Stone, 2013

completed as a requirement for visual communication course in the

graphic design program at the kansas city art institute.

michael kidwell, assistant professor.