Gestalt an Overview
When designing instructional materials there is a wide variety of theories and prinples that designers need to be aware of. One such theory of design is the principle of Gestalt. Gestalt means "configuration" or "organization" in German. The gist of Gestalt theory is that human beings experience the world in meaningful patterns or organized wholes becasue of their cognitive tendency to combine isolated, simple ideas and stimuli into meaningful, complex configurations (or Gestalt). As a result of our mind's tendency to perceive patterns or "seek completion" (Lohr, 2003, p. 242), we see people, flowers, and so forth rather than random patches of color or lines. (This also explains why we tend to see sheep in clouds, constellations in the stars, and faces in abstract wallpaper designs.)
To learn more about the five principles of Gestalt simple click on the links that can be found at the top of each page. When you feel prepared take the Gestalt Challenge and submit your results.
To learn more about the five principles of Gestalt simple click on the links that can be found at the top of each page. When you feel prepared take the Gestalt Challenge and submit your results.