Law Of Closure - Gestalt Laws of Perceptual Organization
Discover the power of the law of closure, one of the most important Gestalt principles, and how it can improve your web design and web development.
Web design and web development are not only about creating functional and attractive websites, but also about understanding how users perceive and interact with them. One of the key aspects of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design is the application of Gestalt principles, which are a set of psychological rules that describe how humans organize visual information into meaningful patterns and groups.
One of the most important Gestalt principles is the law of closure, which states that our brains tend to fill in the gaps and complete incomplete shapes or forms. This principle helps us simplify complex or ambiguous stimuli and create a sense of order and harmony. In this article, we will explain what the law of closure is, how it works, and how it can be applied in web design and web development to improve UX and UI. We will also provide three real examples of websites that use the law of closure effectively.
What is the law of closure?
The law of closure is based on the idea that our minds prefer to see complete shapes rather than fragmented or incomplete ones. When we encounter a shape that has missing parts or gaps, we automatically fill in the missing information and perceive it as a whole. This is because we assume that there is a reason for the gaps, such as occlusion, perspective, or distance, and we try to make sense of the visual input by applying our prior knowledge and expectations.
The law of closure can be illustrated by the following example:
In this image, we see three circles that are partially covered by a triangle. However, our brains do not perceive them as separate shapes, but as a single entity: a triangle with three circular holes. We ignore the gaps and complete the circles in our minds, creating a sense of closure.
Why is the law of closure important for web design and web development?
The law of closure has several implications for web design and web development, as it can help us create websites that are more user-friendly, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing. Some of the benefits of applying the law of closure are:
- It reduces cognitive load and increases comprehension. By using the law of closure, we can simplify complex or cluttered layouts and present information in a clear and concise way. Users do not have to process every detail or element on the screen, but can focus on the essential information and fill in the gaps with their own knowledge. This makes the website easier to understand and navigate.
- It creates visual interest and engagement. By using the law of closure, we can create websites that are more dynamic and interactive. Users are more likely to be attracted by shapes that are incomplete or have gaps, as they trigger their curiosity and imagination. Users are also more likely to interact with elements that require them to complete or reveal something, such as buttons, icons, menus, or animations.
- It enhances brand identity and recognition. By using the law of closure, we can create websites that are more memorable and distinctive. Users are more likely to remember shapes that are unique or have gaps, as they stand out from the rest and create a lasting impression. Users are also more likely to associate shapes that are incomplete or have gaps with certain brands or concepts, such as logos, symbols, or slogans.
How to apply the law of closure in UX and in UI?
There are many ways to apply the law of closure in UX and in UI design, depending on the purpose and context of the website. Here are some general guidelines and tips for using the law of closure effectively:
- Use white space strategically. White space is the empty space between elements on a web page, such as text, images, icons, or buttons. White space can be used to create gaps or boundaries between elements, which can trigger the law of closure and help users group them together or separate them apart. White space can also be used to create negative shapes or forms, which can attract users’ attention and convey meaning.
- Use icons or illustrations creatively. Icons or illustrations are graphical representations of objects, actions, or concepts on a web page, such as navigation menus, social media links, or features. Icons or illustrations can be used to create shapes that are incomplete or have gaps, which can trigger the law of closure and help users recognize them easily or discover their functionality. Icons or illustrations can also be used to create positive shapes or forms, which can enhance users’ experience and satisfaction.
- Use typography cleverly. Typography is the art and technique of arranging text on a web page, such as fonts, sizes, colors, or styles. Typography can be used to create shapes that are incomplete or have gaps, which can trigger the law of closure and help users read them faster or understand them better. Typography can also be used to create contrast or harmony between elements, which can influence users’ emotions and attitudes.
Conclusions
The law of closure is one of the most powerful Gestalt principles that can be applied in web design and web development to improve UX and UI. By using this principle effectively, we can create websites that are more user-friendly, intuitive, attractive, memorable, and distinctive.
The law of closure can be applied in various ways in web design and web development, such as using white space strategically, using icons or illustrations creatively, using typography cleverly, etc.
We have shown three real examples of web design using the law of closure, and how they use this principle to improve their UX and UI, and what benefits they achieve.
To summarize, the law of closure can help us create websites that are:
- More user-friendly, as it reduces cognitive load and increases comprehension.
- More intuitive, as it creates visual interest and engagement.
- More attractive, as it enhances brand identity and recognition.
Other Gestalt Laws
Check out the other five Gestalt laws in our following articles:
We hope that this article has helped you understand what the law of closure is, how it works, and how it can be applied in web design and web development. If you want to learn more about Gestalt principles and other aspects of UX and UI design, you can check out the following sources:
Bibliography
[1] M. Boulton, “Gestalt Principles: How Are Your Designs Perceived?”, Smashing Magazine, 2010.
[2] J. Sauro, “The Law of Closure: The Gestalt Principle That Can Improve Your UX”, MeasuringU, 2018.
[3] A. Kyrnin, “How to Use Gestalt Principles for Web Design”, ThoughtCo, 2020.
[4] S. Bradley, “Design Principles: Visual Perception And The Principles Of Gestalt”, Vanseo Design, 2014.