Factors of Perception - GESTALT THEORY

I've been doing research on several aspects of perception of space. I came across and lecture we had we Roma Patel during my second year. I found some of the things she mentioned quite interesting and will be useful to consider while doing my artefacts.

Factors of Perception based on the Gestalt Theory is useful when composing images

"The sum of the whole is greater than its parts"
"The basic thesis of gestalt theory might be formulated thus: there are contexts in which what is happening in the whole cannot be deduced from the characteristics of the separate pieces, but conversely; what happens to a part of the whole is, in clear cut cases, determined by the laws of the inner structure of its whole."
Max Wertheimer, Gestalt theory. Social Research, 11 (translation of lecture at the Kant Society, Berlin, 1924).
Gestalt Theory
•Proximity
•Similarity
•Direction/movement
•Closure & sliding planes
•Figure & Ground

Aren't these some of the factors that influence the way a viewer perceives a space?

Proximity Proximity is a factor in the organisation of an image which causes forms or element to
relate to each other as a result of their location. Generally the closer the forms are to each other, the greater the tension pull between them. This tension causes the object
to organise into a larger whole.


Similarity
Our eyes have a tendency to group objects involuntarily. Designers learn to impose a grouping in the way they organise materials. These similar factors may involve line, shape, weight, colour, size, direction.

Direction/movement
Continuance describes a device for directing the viewer's attention when looking at a composition. It is based on the idea that once you start looking in a particular direction you will continue looking in that direction until you see something significant. Most shapes or line has an inherent movement or direction.

Cataract, Bridget Riley

ARTEFACT 1 - THE IDEA

For my artefacts I have decided to find out what cues are use to differentiate the real world to the virtual world. The physical nature of the screen is strictly 2dimensional however the real world we live in is 3dimensional having height, width and depth. The challenge is to portray a 3dimensional world on a two dimensional screen surface and have it look believable.

In order to achieve this, we need to understand the visual components of space. Therefore during the series of my artefacts I shall explore the four basic types of space.

1. Deep Space
2. Flat Space
3. Limited Space
4. Ambiguous Space

For this first artefact I will analyse one visual element of art and design , and how it contributes in the formation of deep space which therefore then influence’s us on how one might perceive space. For this artefact I shall concentrate on lines as it is an assisting factor in the formation of depth cues.

“Lines is a means of communication rather than a natural phenomenon, a device we use to describe what we see, a means by which we convey our reactions both reality and concept and an element with which we express our thoughts and feelings” ( P7 Visual elements)

My aim is to understand the visual elements of space, which in return will help me understand the visual components of space and the role they play in determining the perception of space such as artificial depth cues can be used to differentiate a 3D environment rendered image in comparison to a ‘real’ environment.

In the book, Visual Elements of Art and Design, Frederick Palmer suggests that often a visual design such as a line can evoke different interpretations and reactions to a viewer. He says that;

Vertical lines can indicate strength or perhaps growth.

Horizontal lines can indicate calmness and rest.

Curves portray smoothness

Diagonals suggest movement.

Zigzag and other articulated lines give out a feeling of agitation.

Therefore I intend to create a questionnaire of images that reflect the 5 styles of representing lines and depth cues and therefore see whether those images will reflect on Palmer’s analysis on lines and what they can indicate. My objective is to ask members of my focus group to state what each image indicates to them, from the selected answers I provide them. Some questions will have no options and thus they shall have to answer from personal opinion.

From my questionnaire I am expecting to find out the most common style of line and how each line styles affect their perception of space and why. This will lead me to my next artefact. I am not expecting a common occurring answer or pattern.

Understanding My First Artefact

Bruce Block argues that there are three things that make up the components of visual space. The first one being, “the physical space in front of the camera we’re shooting. The second one being the difference between the actual space where we shoot and the same space as it appears on a screen”, this perception can be described as the physiological element of space. Lastly the characteristics of the screen where we watch our pictures”, this element of perception can fall into psychological.

Block further states that “the basic visual components are space, line, shape, tone, colour, movement and rhythm. These visual components are found in every picture we see. Actors, locations, props, costumes, and scenery are made up of visual components. A visual component communicates moods, emotions, ideas and most importantly gives visual structure to what we’re watching”.