In the figure-ground relationship, the visual elements are divided into two groups: the figure and the background. As we have seen above, the figure is the main object of focus in the composition, while the background is the space that surrounds and supports the figure.
Chiyana Simões
Chiyana Simões
April 24, 2023 — 2 minutes reading time
The principle of the figure-ground relationship
Image @Kar881am @freepik
In design , the figure-ground relationship is essential to effective georgia mobile numbers list creating clear and effective compositions. This principle, belonging to the Gestalt theory of visual perception , states that our mind separates visual elements into two groups: the figure (main object in focus) and the background (the space surrounding the figure). In other words, the relationship between these two elements is fundamental to understanding what we see and how we interpret it.
The elements of the figure-ground relationship
In the figure-ground relationship, the visual elements are divided into two groups: the figure and the background. As we have seen above, the figure is the main object of focus in the composition, while the background is the space that surrounds and supports the figure.
Often, elements of the figure stand out because of their shape, size, colour or texture, and are placed in contrast to the undifferentiated background. This clear distinction between figure and ground allows the figure-ground relationship to be stable and easily interpretable.
However, in some compositions, the figure-ground relationship is unstable, meaning that the interpretation of the elements constantly shifts between figure and background. In these situations, the observer's perception is influenced by factors such as lighting, viewing angle or contrast, and can lead to a variety of ambiguous and subjective interpretations.
Visual cues that determine figure and background
In the figure-ground relationship, visual cues play a key role in determining which elements of a composition are perceived as figure and which as background. Below are some visual cues that can influence this perception:
The figure has a definite shape, while the background has no shape.
The background continues behind the figure and may have less visual detail than the figure.
The figure appears closer with a clear location in space, while the background appears further away and has no clear location in space.
Elements below the horizon line are perceived as figures, while elements above the horizon line are perceived as background.
Elements in the lower regions of a design are perceived as figures, while elements in the upper regions are perceived as background.
It is important to note that these visual cues are not always sufficient to clearly determine the figure and background in a composition.
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