Gesalt Theory

Design Element: Closure

The book cover of “Men without women” designed by Shinano Hattaro conveys the design element of closure. There is a dark human figure representing the positive space that is inter-related to the negative space of the missing puzzle piece from where the heart is. Subconsciously our brains seek to fill in the blank. This is a clever design because the negative space is taken up where the heart is located, so we naturally perceive this vacant slot as someone who is heartbroken or heartless.

Design Element: Similarity

This Foodmobile logo conveys the element design of similarity. The vehicle is composed of food which is mainly produce, the similar images are made to fit into the shape of a car.

Visual Research 1

Design Element: Direction

The “Rocky” movie poster by Saul Bass created in 1979 conveys the design element of “direction”. The diagonal direction of the staircase suggests spontaneity. The white human figure at the top depicts someone who seems to be active and sprinting. At the bottom is there is also another larger-scale human figure who is upside-down. The shape of the stairs begins from a wide to angle at the bottom and slims to the top creating a pyramid shape, which adds a more dramatic emotion and depth to the element of direction. I also admire the contrast of shape, color, and size from the top to bottom.

Design Element: Space

The book cover of Murakami’s book “Norwegian Wood” illustrated by, Noma Bar conveys the design element of “space”. There is a clear distinction of Negative and positive space with the black and white colors, as well as the shadows with their figures. 

Design Element: Size

The book cover of Murakami’s book “Norwegian Wood” illustrated by, Noma Bar conveys the design element of “space”. There is a clear distinction of Negative and positive space with the black and white colors, as well as the shadows with their figures.