Gestalt Principles

 According to Gestalt, we interpret visuals based on proximity, similarity, unity, and meaning. Closure is created with hexagons, although by placing them in adjacent rows with points touching, one might perceive that diamonds were placed between the rows.  In fact, had I not accidentally left a slight space between several of the hexagons, it might be hard to detect if I actually linked diamonds or hexagons in the pattern.

Evaluating Components:  Connotation, Attributes, Placement

Here, the black and white were predefined so no color critique is necessary.  Regardless, a few adjustments could improve the visual.  For instance, some of the hexagons have small white spaces between them while others have no visible white space.  Additionally, the placement does not really make a statement.  It would have been more interesting to increase the sizes of the hexagons, have fewer hexagons, and allow them to flow beyond the margins. That way, they could provide a supporting role as a backdrop for a single colorful graphic.



Proximity demonstrates teardrops grouped together, differing only in size, rotation, and placement.  In this picture, I decided to create a black background with white shapes for added emphasis.  The repetition of the shapes provide greater interest than if I had created just one group.

Evaluating Components: Connotation, Attributes, Placement

Out of all my visuals, I like this one the best.  First, the white on black offers  pleasing aesthetics.  I also like the placement of the vertical elements with a smaller font size.  It may be more interesting to rotate the horizontal group,  shift them to just to the right, adjacent but slightly lower than the smallest group. Then significantly increase the size of the left group to create a greater contrast in the layout.  Although we were directed to use only black and white, by adding a bright color to one single drop in each group, the poster could spark even more interest.

 

Similarity defines shapes grouped according to likeness.  This time, I decided to align three dimensional shapes, and I chose to reverse the colors of the cubes from the cylinders.  Again, even though there are equal numbers in each group, and sizes are similar, their alternating placement and pattern provides a simple, but effective visual.

Evaluating Components: Connotation, Attributes, Placement

Here each shape retains a three-dimensional theme.  I like how the two different shapes appear as opposites by simply reversing outlines and fill colors.  However, it almost seems too busy.  By choosing a two-dimensional circle and rectangle, while still incorporating the reversal of black and white, the message would be much clearer and simpler.  Furthermore, the spacing between the shapes does not appear proportional.  For example, the last cylindrical shape on each row appears slightly farther apart than the rest.  By moving them to the left, a more uniform composition could be obtained.

Continuity occurs by creating star shapes and lines to emphasize an ongoing visual.  By varying the size of the shapes and placing the smaller shape higher on the page, and arranging the stars with the largest in the front, the medium in the middle, and the smaller to the back the stars give the concept of hanging from a string with just four lines also ordered and placed accordingly.  Again, by placing white objects on a black background, and repeating the star shapes, a three dimensional object begins to appear.

Evaluating Components:  Connotation, Attributes, Placement

The alignment of the stars in relation to the straight lines give an illusion of ongoing draped ornaments.  All of the elements seem to be working together with visual weights, especially the varying sizes aligned in proper proportions. While the line is the appropriate size, it could have been attached to the top points of the stars, to place greater emphasis on hanging stars rather than just stars strung together.  Of course, the stars are the "stars" while the lines "support."  However, the placement of the lines is key to creating perception and depth.  Should the stars have been rotated in slightly various angles?  I am not sure, but that might have also displayed a more dangling effect.