GESTALT : Similarity

9/4/2016

Another Gestalt concept is Similarity. We reviewed many more in lecture the second week of classes.
SIMILARITY: Things that are similar tend to be grouped together. They do not necessarily need to be physically grouped like proximity.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwJTIOFCwVQ/UFxsAhkXupI/AAAAAAAAALA/2CUqoEOwEBY/s1600/similarity.GIF

Both examples show grouping via similarity. In the first example, you can see the 24 circles and 40 squares individually, but your mind will more efficiently group and see lines of squares and 3 lines of circles. In the second example, you can see 36 separate squares and 13 separate circles, but your mind prefers to see it as 4 blocks with a crossed "line" made by the circles.

Remember that this is what is meant by "THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS".

This image uses similarity to group the produce. Though it is technically also proximity, the similarity aspect of color does the stronger grouping. We can still see the individual pieces of produce, but our mind helps us to simplify our world by grouping. "THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS."

http://anudinam.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Fruits.jpg

The example allows us to group the similar shape and color of the toes of the shoes vs. the canvas bodies. (This example also shows strong Closure and Figure-Ground, which we briefly discussed in class and will be examined in the upcoming weeks on this blog.)

http://alisonjungj7510.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/unsystematic-b8cc68im0-204449-530-516.jpg

STUDENTS:
ONE SAMPLE OF GESTALT SIMILARITY

Again, DO NOT use the black geometric shapes on a white background to show proximity because this is too easy. Find a photo or other work like a painting that shows grouping by proximity. You will find a few correct examples beyond the black geometric shapes from our Google search. OR you can comprehend this elementary concept and find an image with some other search of photos until you find it.

Remember you must explain your choice in at least 4 sentences.

7 Comments

Muneyoshi Sudo link

9/11/2016 11:17:55 pm

I think this is a perfect example of Gestalt similarity. You would think several big layers came out when you first saw the image. Although it's just merely a picture of artificial forest, but we recognize it as layers. Because each trunk is almost same and so are each branch and leaves, therefore we recognize perfectly lined trees as different colored layers rather than as each, single tree.

Emma link

9/13/2016 11:33:39 am

To me this image represents similarity because the Ferris Wheel is similar to the bike wheel. The are both round with spokes. When we look at the shape of both the bike wheel and ferris wheel we automatically group them to belonging together with the bike. The texture that the spokes have on both wheels also shows similarity.

Darian Stewart link

9/19/2016 12:28:53 pm

This is a great example of Gestalt's law of similarity. It represents this because each item of wearable material is grouped together by shirt, shoes, pants, and hats and placed on different shelves. It is also an example of similarity because the wearable materials is grouped together by neutral colors, examples whites and tans. Another example of similarity in this image is you can not really tell from the image but guessing everything is the same size. All the shirts hang equally and look similar.

Nichole Johns link

10/28/2016 08:37:47 am

This is a good example of similarity. It shows how "THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS."The shoes are all the same brand and type, however, you can still tell the difference. Why? They are placed by different color and size.

mary bouchard link

11/21/2016 02:20:33 pm

This example uses similarity to group the different shapes and colors together. Within this image there are white lines and black circles. Our mind automatically groups the similar shapes and colors together in order to simplify the image. In addition to these similarities, the white lines are also placed at a diagonal, which adds to their unifying qualities.

Brittney Clayton link

11/26/2016 02:48:11 pm

This example is one of similarity because the flowers are all the same, tulips. When we look at the image, we instantly group the flowers together because the ones we see first are red and grown closely together. It makes it easier to group, and their similar features stick out more. Even the white tulips in the background, that may take you a moment to see, are similar despite the change in color. They're flowers, and they're tulips specifically.

Haydin Hall link

11/28/2016 08:25:31 pm

To me this picture explains Gestalt's similarity because of the girl's all wearing blue dresses, panty hose, and black shoes. Even though their legs are different shapes and colors they are still similar. Most of the models are facing away from the camera also and you can tell that by the way their feet are facing, that is also another similarity

Design Blog (2016)