What is the Gestalt law of symmetry and examples

  • Jul 11, 2023
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What is the Gestalt law of symmetry and examples

The law of symmetry is one of the principles most used by the human being to perceive elements of reality. In general terms, people tend to see objects, situations, images and people based on previous data they have about reality. This can be denoted in areas of daily life, such as advertisements in which the application of this postulate is revealed. Likewise, the Gestalt current places special emphasis on the forms that are appreciable through the human eye and the meaning that they acquire. For this reason, it is worth carrying out a review on this subject in order to have more data that can provide some clarity.

In this Psychology-Online article we will explain what is the Gestalt law of symmetry and examples.

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Index

  1. What is the Gestalt law of symmetry?
  2. What is the Gestalt law of symmetry for?
  3. How to use the Gestalt law of symmetry
  4. Everyday examples of the Gestalt law of symmetry

What is the Gestalt law of symmetry.

The law of symmetry of the

Gestalt postulates that visually perceived images can be appreciatedunder the same form. In other words, the external information processing mode carried out by the brain makes it possible for two objects and/or images to be seen as identical.

From this, it is about producing a simplification of figures so that the perception is as simple as possible. In turn, the symmetry responds to the fact that the visual elements have a noticeable similarity that allows a spatial organization of the figure that is being displayed.

Although the law of symmetry corresponds to establishing a direct relationship between two or more images, it is worth mention that perception is only possible if the person has previous data that allows a greater comprehension. Here the previous experiences of the human being that were acquired in a certain context play a transcendental role.

What is the Gestalt law of symmetry for?

The mental schemes that a human being has allow certain images and objects of daily life to be perceived in an understandable and forceful way. To provide precision about this, we will explain what the Gestalt symmetry law is for:

  • Order: appreciating two or more elements in an identical way provides a mental order in terms of the information that is available. In turn, the order accounts for an understanding of the image according to the previous data that a person has.
  • Composition: Contemplating elements as similar sustains a visual composition that is not easily altered.
  • Information processing: The use of this principle allows the brain to not have to make an extreme effort to understand the meaning of the visual aspects that are displayed.

In the following article we explain What is the Gestalt Law of Proximity?.

What is the Gestalt law of symmetry and examples - What is the Gestalt law of symmetry for

Image: Toptal

How to use the Gestalt law of symmetry.

The usefulness of this postulate has some nuances that give it an entity in various fields of reality. Next, we will explain how the Gestalt law of symmetry is used:

Art

To carry out the composition of an artistic product as a photography, an advertising logo or other element, the application of this principle is important. In global terms, an attempt is made to create an attractive product for the viewer's vision.

biology

The evolution of the human being can be explained from the genetic reproduction that lies in establishing conditions of equality. This can be seen in the genetic duplication of certain cells found within the human body.

Advertising

The perception of the visual elements that make up an advertisement is emphasized in the way they are organized. To do this, advertising determines that certain objects may be similar to each other to create a sense of inner harmony.

The law of symmetry can be applied through advertising logos, a slogan or advertisements that appear in the media such as social networks or television. The purpose of this condition lies in producing an interest in the client to buy a product that is for sale.

What is the Gestalt law of symmetry and examples - How to use the Gestalt law of symmetry

Everyday examples of the Gestalt law of symmetry.

In order to establish a better understanding of this subject, it is important to think about the application of this theoretical aspect in life. For this reason, we will mention some everyday examples of the Gestalt law of symmetry below:

  • Example 1: a food brand decides to carry out an advertising campaign with its main products to capture the interest of the public. To carry out this idea, photos of foods such as hamburgers and fries are taken. Despite the fact that the composition of both meals can have very subtle differences, the mind tends to to organize visual information in a symmetrical way to perceive elements in a different way tidy.
  • Example 2: a person buys a box of screws to do work in her house. In general, the elements can have variations in terms of shapes and sizes. However, the brain usually groups each visual aspect by symmetry, resulting in identical screws.

Do you want to know other laws of Gestalt? In this article we explain What is the law of figure and background of the Gestalt and examples.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is the Gestalt law of symmetry and examples, we recommend that you enter our category of cognitive psychology.

Bibliography

  • Lopez Ortiz, R.H. (2016). Analysis of the laws of Gestalt and its application in didactic materials for children in initial education II. Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Esmeraldas Campus, Faculty of Administrative and Accounting Sciences.
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