From web page layout to user interface design, the application of Gestalt principles not only enhances aesthetics, but also improves functionality and user experience. This article will take you through the influence and application of Gestalt psychology in web page layout, helping you create web pages that are both beautiful and efficient.
Gestalt psychology, also known as Gestalt psychology, is a psychological theory that studies human perception and cognition. It emphasizes that when people perceive things, they tend to see them as a whole, rather than simply breaking it down into the sum of its parts. This holistic approach to perception is important for understanding human thinking and behavior.
1. Basic theories of Gestalt psychology
Homogeneism
Gestalt psychology isomorphism holds that the experience gained by experiencing the physical world is the isomorphic model of the physical world in the empirical world. That is, people's perception of the external world is similar to the external world itself.
Mind Field
The mind-object field theory contrasts the empirical world with the physical world, arguing that people's perception is generated by the interaction of mental and physical fields. Mental fields include factors such as a person's perception, thinking, and emotions, while physical fields refer to objects and events in the external environment.
2. The main viewpoints of Gestalt psychology
The whole is not equal to the sum of the parts
Gestalt psychology holds that the properties of the whole are not found in the parts, but in the whole. The whole is not just a simple addition of parts, but has a unique nature and function.
The whole decides the part
The whole has a decisive influence on the parts, and the parts are subject to the whole. When people perceive and understand things, they first focus on the structure and characteristics of the whole, and then understand the meaning of the parts.
3. Theoretical application and practical application
It will be easier to understand the application of various theories in combination with a single page, because I have been working on PDF recently, so I will use the page of Wondershare PDF product to illustrate, the following screenshots are from Wondershare's PDFelement English product page.
Principle of similarity
In web page layout, the principle of similarity refers to the combination of elements with similar functions or features. For example, using the same colors, shapes, fonts, or icons to represent related buttons, links, or information modules makes it easier for users to identify and understand their functions and relationships. Through the principle of similarity, the consistency and logic of the page can be enhanced, and the cognitive efficiency of users can be improved.
The principle of proximity
The principle of proximity states that people tend to see elements that are closer together as a whole. In a web page layout, you can place related content or elements close together to enhance the relevance between them. For example, place the navigation bar close to the main content area of the page, or place related article titles and snippets together. This makes it easier for users to understand the structure of the page and how the information is organized, reducing the cognitive burden on users.
Principle of closure
The closure principle holds that people tend to fill in incomplete images or information to form a complete perception. In web design, this principle can be utilized to direct the user's attention and make it easier for them to understand the content of the page. For example, use clean lines or shapes to imply a complete figure, or ellipses to indicate incomplete information that is not displayed, sparking the user's curiosity and desire to explore.
The principle of unity
The principle of uniformity emphasizes the visual consistency and harmony of the layout of a web page. By maintaining uniformity in colors, fonts, typography, icons, etc., it is possible to create a professional and reliable image and increase the trust of users. For example, use a consistent color scheme, font style, and page layout to ensure a consistent style across your site. This allows users to feel comfortable and familiar when browsing different pages, and strengthens the user's sense of identity with the site.
The principle of individual independence
The principle of individual independence requires that each element should have clear boundaries and independence in the layout of the web page, so that users can clearly distinguish and understand their function and function. For example, each button, link, or text box should have a clear border or background that distinguishes it from other elements. This avoids confusion among users and improves the accuracy and efficiency of users' operations.
The principle of common movement
The principle of co-movement states that people will see elements moving at the same time as a whole. In web design, animation or interactive effects can be used to make related elements have a common movement trend, so as to guide the user's attention and enhance the user's interaction with the page. For example, when the user hovers over a menu, the menu options can expand or change color, accompanied by a smooth animation to prompt the user that the menu is available. Or when the page scrolls, certain elements can remain in a fixed position or follow the scroll to provide better navigation and user experience.
In conclusion, Gestalt psychology provides important theoretical guidance for web page layout. By applying these principles wisely and combining these contents, you can improve the usability, readability, and attractiveness of your web pages, and enhance the user experience. In the future of web design, we should continue to study and apply the principles of Gestalt psychology in depth, combined with user needs and the latest design trends, to create a better web layout.
Author: Wu Tong, public account: Ermeow's stupid minion
This article was originally published by @吴桐 on Everyone is a Product Manager. Reproduction without the permission of the author is prohibited.
The title image is from Unsplash and is licensed under CC0.
The views in this article only represent the author's own, everyone is a product manager, and the platform only provides information storage space services.