Gestalt Principles in UX Design

Want to lose players? Ignore how their brains work. Frustrated players don’t stick around. Why? The design doesn’t match how we think. Fix it with these UX principles. 𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆 The Brain: ↳ We group nearby objects together. [UX in Action] • Group related info in the HUD (health, ammo, abilities). • Organize menus logically - e.g., defense skills in one column, offense in another. Example: Assassin’s Creed Syndicate groups contextual actions for clarity. Tip: Space = clarity. Clutter = confusion. 𝟮. 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 The Brain: ↳ We link objects that look alike. [UX in Action] • Color-code items with similar functions (e.g., health packs, weapons). • Use consistent shapes and visuals for recurring gameplay elements. Example: Overwatch health packs are green (heal) or blue (shields) - instant recognition. Tip: Consistency builds trust. Random changes destroy it. 𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 The Brain: ↳ We follow lines and curves naturally. [UX in Action] • Use roads, trails, or subtle environmental cues to guide players to objectives. • Skill trees should flow visually - connected lines = unlock progression. Example: Journey uses curved dunes to nudge players without obvious prompts. Tip: Guide, don’t force. Let the world “pull” players forward. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 The Brain: ↳ We fill in gaps to see the whole picture. [UX in Action] • Use outlines to suggest symbols without cluttering the interface. • Design puzzles that let players solve the gaps (e.g., bridges, maps). Example: Breath of the Wild uses glowing shrines to tease exploration. Tip: Less is more. Let players’ curiosity fill in the blanks. 𝟱. 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 The Brain: ↳ We separate objects from their background [UX in Action] • Use contrast to make interactive elements pop (e.g., glowing loot, enemy outlines) • Keep non-interactive elements subtle to avoid visual clutter. Example: Fortnite highlights loot with bright effects, making them stand out. Tip: Contrast = focus. Subtlety = immersion. 𝟲. 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 The Brain: ↳ Symmetry feels balanced. Chaos doesn’t. [UX in Action] • Use symmetrical grids in inventories to make items easy to find. • Apply symmetry in level design for logical layouts; break symmetry to add tension. Example: Portal uses symmetrical puzzles to imply logic and balance. Tip: Symmetry = calm. Asymmetry = challenge. Use both wisely. 𝟳. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗲 The Brain: ↳ Moving objects seem connected. [UX in Action] • Groups of enemies moving together signal coordinated threats. • Use synchronized motion (swaying ropes or flashing lights) to guide attention. Example: Uncharted uses environmental motion to point out climbable paths. Tip: Movement = meaning. Use it to guide, not distract.     **** Looking for more insights? 🔴 Start with my book https://lnkd.in/euQYayqc 10 more tips & actions in the comments 👇

Have you ever looked at a well-designed dashboard or data viz, and tried to explain EXACTLY what makes it so effective? It's trickier than you might think. There are the obvious things like colors, layouts, imagery and chart types, but those only tell part of the story. Ultimately what matters most is PERCEPTION. Building a dashboard is equal parts psychology and design, and requires an understanding of how humans process and interpret information. The difference between an average dashboard and a great one can be tough to pinpoint, but it often comes down to things like: 👉 Enclosure 👉 Similarity 👉 Continuity 👉 Closure 👉 Connection 👉 Proximity 👉 Symmetry These are known as Gestalt Principles, which describe how we group visual elements, recognize patterns, and simplify complex information. While they are traditionally used by graphic artists and UX designers, these principles are INCREDIBLY powerful tools for data visualization as well. Do you use Gestalt Principles for data viz? Let me know in the comments! #datavisualization #gestalt #dashboarddesign #businessintelligence #data #careers

𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐈  The Laws of UI are essential principles that guide users smoothly through interfaces by improving clarity, reducing cognitive load, and creating intuitive, engaging designs. Mastering these fundamental laws helps designers craft visually appealing and functional layouts that enhance user experience: 1. 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞  Users tend to fill in missing parts to perceive a complete image, making it possible to simplify designs while still being recognizable. 2. 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐲   Elements close to each other are perceived as related, helping organize content logically and reduce cognitive load. 3. 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲   Users prefer clear, minimal designs that are easy to interpret, creating a visually appealing and distraction-free experience. 4. 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲    Similar visual elements are seen as part of a group, establishing visual hierarchy and consistency in the design. 5. 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲 Eyes naturally follow paths and lines, guiding users smoothly through the interface with ease. 6. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 Elements within the same boundary appear grouped, making layouts easier to interpret through clear visual sections. 7. 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 Balanced, symmetrical layouts provide stability and ease of navigation, enhancing trust and visual appeal. These UI principles are powerful tools for creating seamless and intuitive user experiences.