Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
The type bleeds off the edge for a dynamic effect, stressing the point of space (as if the slide is not big enough
to hold the large type).
Gestalt and the Power of the Whole
The Gestalt theories of visual perception, developed in Germany in the 1920s, look at
the way people naturally seek to simplify visual stimuli by organizing parts and groups
into unified wholes. Our brains seek unity and wholeness, so the interaction of the
myriad visual elements that comprise a work of art—or a building and so on—contribute
to our intuitive interpretation of the whole. Context is a very important consideration in the
Gestalt principles of perception. It is the relationship of the elements, not the individual
elements themselves, that we see in the whole.
Gestalt theories of perception involve a complex field of study. For our purposes,
however, it is useful to know the general idea of “gestalt” since many of the ideas can
help you better understand how to approach the design of slide elements.
According to Merriam-Webster's definition, gestalt is “a structure, configuration, or
pattern of physical, biological, or psychological phenomena so integrated as to
constitute a functional unit with properties not derivable by summation of its parts.” You
have probably heard the saying that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” This
is an oversimplification of gestalt, yet it's a reasonable way of recalling the meaning of it.
In Japanese, we might say
nantonaku,
this design works. That is, without even
investigating the visual details of individual elements to see why a design or piece of art
“works,” we see that somehow, in its totality, it does indeed seem to communicate well.
The whole is indeed more—sometimes much more—than the sum of the design
elements. With music, for example, the total sound that results from the interplay of
several musicians is far greater than the sum of the notes being played by all the
musicians. Recently, I saw a Tower of Power concert at the Osaka Blue Note.
Individually, each musician is world class; some are even legendary. But put them
together and they are not just a great band, they are Tower of Power—one of the
greatest blues bands ever, with a trademark signature sound. The gestalt, so to speak,
of Tower of Power is far greater, cooler, and more amazing than the totality of its talented
individual members. Likewise, in visual design, gestalt helps us perceive the overall
message of the design. If the design elements are arranged properly, the gestalt of the
overall design will be very clear.
Seeing the figure from the ground
