Introduction to Gestalt Principles
Ever wondered why we sometimes see things that aren’t really there? Join us in this video.. The Gestalt principles of perception offer insights. These principles help explain why we interpret images in certain ways. They also shed light on our appreciation for art.
Strange Sightings in Everyday Life
Humans have a knack for spotting oddities. Be it an image on a lemon slice, a mysterious shape on Mars, or curious patterns on building tops, we’re wired to recognize patterns. And sometimes, these patterns can seem strange. For instance, I’ve noticed numerous unusual things around me. But why does this happen? It’s all connected to the Gestalt principles.
How Do Designers Utilize These Principles?
Interestingly, these principles aren’t just for psychologists to dissect. Web designers, user experience experts, and interface designers often rely on them too. For instance, when creating a user-friendly website, understanding how people perceive and organize visual information is crucial. Therefore, knowing about Gestalt principles can be a game-changer in design.
Diving Deeper: Recommended Resources
For those eager to delve deeper into this intriguing world of perception, several resources can guide your journey. A fascinating read is the article on “Why Your Brain Thinks This Picture Shows a Giant, Martian Crab Monster.” It sheds light on our brain’s knack for pattern recognition.
Furthermore, ever heard of the phenomenon “Jesus on toast”? It’s an interesting case of our brain’s ability to spot familiar shapes in random patterns. Another interesting dive is the “Face On Mars” collection available on NASA’s official site. For those seeking a comprehensive overview, the Interaction Design website has a detailed breakdown of the Gestalt principles.
In Conclusion
To sum it up, the Gestalt principles are instrumental in understanding human perception. They explain our knack for spotting patterns, even when they’re not obvious. Whether you’re into psychology, art, or design, these principles offer invaluable insights. So the next time you spot a face in the clouds or a figure in the shadows, remember, it’s just your brain working its Gestalt magic!
Resources on Gestalt Principles
Here are a few sites which further explain some of the Gestalt principles of organization:
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- Why Your Brain Thinks This Picture Shows a Giant, Martian Crab Monster
- “Jesus on toast” just a sign your brain is doing its job
- Here’s the NASA site where you’ll find the “Face On Mars” pictures.
- Here’s a good site which describes the gestalt principles. It’s from the Interaction Design website.
Zeveaunna Hackett
October 2, 2007The video was very interesting with the images looking like two different things i really liked it. It was also complicated in a way.
Rameshia
October 2, 2007This was a very intersting video clip about Psychology , i learned a lot about it , and the different images of the video clip.I learned different stuff about the brain @ how difficult it can make the the brain think on lots of different important factors on the everyday life ,The brain helps you function and thinks for you .
Rameshia Wiggins
October 2, 2007Hi this opened a nerve up in my mind about this lecture .also it gave me good thinking skills on this subject,i learned lots of new interesting ideas.
Katisha Milton
October 2, 2007Hi Michael, I really enjoyed the video it helped me to learn about certain things I never knew anything about the video was very helpful thanks a lot.
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October 2, 2007[…] Principles of Gestalt Perception […]
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October 2, 2007[…] are pattern seekers (see this episode on Gestalt Principles of Perception and we seek patterns in what we see and what we […]
Emmitt Erving
October 2, 2007This was a good episode, I would like to learn more!
Michael
October 2, 2007Albert: glad you liked this episode. It’s one of my favorite topics. If you’re studying for the AP test don’t forget to check my online audio test prep tool here:
http://www.ThePsychFiles.com/mappr
Thanks for your note!
Albert
October 2, 2007Wow this is really useful! Thanks to my teacher and stuff on this website, I think I will do good on the AP Psych test later on!
Michael
October 2, 2007Trelisa: what did you see on the back of the apple jacks box?
Trelisa Watts
October 2, 2007Hi, i really enjoyed your segment it really opened a door in mind. I really makes me remember reading the back of the apple jacks box.
Maxine Vaid
October 2, 2007I learned Erikson’s eight stages of human development through your mnemonics video. I’m amazed at how effective it is. Thank you, Maxine
Michael
October 2, 2007Jose: glad you found the podcast. Here are some links I have on perceptions and illusions – maybe these will help:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189390.php
http://www.opticsforteens.org/illusions/
http://www.visualillusion.net/
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/graphics/
jose
October 2, 2007so im a high school student interested in learning psych. currently we are going over perception and illusions, any tips or something so i can better understand how perceptions work and how illusions work?
Michael
October 2, 2007Thanks Adebola and Carmengloria. I listen to a podcast just to help me learn the language too, so I’m glad I could help out in this way. Appreciate your encouragement.
Carmengloria
October 2, 2007Hola Michael, I love your videos and the way you teach. English is my second language therefore it is very hard for me to learn this new vocabulary. I was trying to memorize the parts of the brain, it was really hard, but I saw your videos in you tube and now I am able to remember!!! Thank you, Thank you very much! You are great !!!
Carmengloria
Adebola
October 2, 2007Thanks for the explanation, that explains why sometime when I stare at the moon, I see images like the face of a person…. it’s just my perception at work.
Michael
October 2, 2007Rajshkehar: there are quite a few episodes on memorization techniques. Click on the link in the right navigation area called “Search Using Keywords” and then find the word “Mnemonics” and click on it.
Rajshkehar
October 2, 2007Hi Michael,
Can you provide more techniques for memorization and organization of Basic Psychological principles. It will be of great help 🙂
MARTIN
October 2, 2007i only saw the old lady and no matter how hard i tried i couldnt see the young one
Michael
October 2, 2007Gwashayla and Daisy: glad to hear that you’re enjoying the site and the podcast. Thanks for the comment!
Gwashayla Durr
October 2, 2007Hello Micheal, iTHINK THIS IS A WONDERFUL SITE &IT HELPS EXPLAIN THINGS BETTER.. THING iDONT UNDERSTAND FROM READING THE BOOK THANKS 🙂
Daisy
October 2, 2007Hello Michael,
I thought this was a great video and it really got my mind to thinking. Some of the images I didn’t see at first but when you zoomed or gave a close up I saw them. I didn’t realize as humans how much our brains works but you brought it to my attention. LOVED IT!
Michael
October 2, 2007Thanks for all the positive comments. It is amazing how often these Gestalt principles of perception come into play in our daily lives. I was thinking about this the other day when I was looking at someone’s handwritten notes – like a lot of people’s handwriting, there were lots of unclosed letters, yet we can make out the full words because of this idea of closure. Well, glad you’re enjoying the podcast!
Mineka
October 2, 2007I also wanted to say thanks for breaking down Gesalt. Closure, Similarity, and Proximity. Every since I’ve watched the podcast I notice myself paying close attention to things that remind me of Gesalt Perception.
Mineka Hazley
October 2, 2007Hi Michael! I loved the examples in the video. I did have a little difficulty viewing the pictures. Until you showed the pictures in different ways. I never knew about Gesalt Perception, but I feel you’ve helped me to understand it. I feel as though the podcast is very informative as it relates to psychology.
Majeska Stewart
October 2, 2007It is very strange that you see a face on Mars. I wonder is it a woman or man face.
Tyrone
October 2, 2007I think this is very great never experience anything like this.
Guillermo Black
October 2, 2007That is very cool!!
Michael
October 2, 2007Michelle – whoa, you’re starting to make me feel old! 🙂 Thanks so much for letting me know and I’m glad the podcast is helpful to you. That’s what it’s all about for me. – Michael
Michelle
October 2, 2007Hello
I have been listening to you since high school and continue to do so during college. You’ve helped a lot with my psychology course!
thanks!
Michael
October 2, 2007kkg: send me an email and let’s see what we can do. I think we can find a way to help you get the episode on your flashdrive. – Michael
kkg
October 2, 2007Hi Michael, I just watched your podcast on the brain! awesome! wish we had this idea in college. I’m teaching intro to psych now and would love to show this mneumonic during class. Any ideas of how I would do that? I have great equipment. I usually take a flashdrive to class and use the computer there. let me know what you think.
UNEIKA MITCHELL
October 2, 2007Great slide show…but I couldn’t figure it out. My major is nursing and this is my first time taking psychology, it is very interesting, and a little tricky. I wanted you to know that I watched your video on learning the parts of the brain and it helped me alot. I am a visual person, I always have to draw pictures for test, but your way is the best I’ve ever seen. Thanks
Uneika Mitchell
roslyn
October 2, 2007I LOVE THE VIDEO AND ALL THE FUNNY PICTURES THAT I COULDNT MAKE OUT UNTIL YOU TOLD US WHAT THEY WERE
Michael
October 2, 2007Thanks Latoya! Michael
Latoya Luckett
October 2, 2007I think they where some great ideas that you came up with i will be using one of them myself
Michael
October 2, 2007Fauzia,
You’re going to use the Man on a Horse experiment? Very cool. Yes – let me know how it goes.
Michael
Fauzia
October 2, 2007hey :)!
Thanks!!! I’ll be using your experiment in class on Monday. Will let u know the results:)!
The videos are great too:)!
Michael Britt
October 2, 2007Thanks for your interest in the video. If you send me an email (see “About Michael”) with your address I’ll see if I can put the video on a CD and send it to you.
Michael
monica
October 2, 2007I would like to get lemon slice and gestalt principles video. How can I get and use this in my class to show my students. It does not look like the cd you advertise has this specific thing on CD.
I have an Ipod if that makes a difference at all. Would like to play them this video in class on a laptop onto a whiteboard.
Michael Britt
October 2, 2007Paula,
Check the “About Michael” link under the “Pages” box at the top left. I put a brief bio there as well as a vita that lists my degrees, occupations, etc. You’ll see that I have a Ph.D. in psychology and I taught psych for 10 years at Marist College. I currently work in the area of instructional design at Pearson Education.
Michael
Paula
October 2, 2007Hey I think ur website is great but I think it needs a little proof of credibility, I can see you really know a lot about the subject but i think it would give it more prestige if you could add your name and your study level.
Michael Britt
October 2, 2007No problem. Glad you liked it. This was a fun episode to make.
Michael
anon
October 2, 2007this is awesome, thanks