Summary
The principle of proximity asserts that elements that are closer together or grouped are perceived as related. This principle is also referred to the Gestalt Principle of Perception. In design, a lack of proximity results in the perception that there are differences among the elements. It’s necessary to ensure labels and or text information is appropriately placed.
Original Example
Interior car controls are often placed in the center of the dashboard.
Online Example
Proximity between circles influences how they are grouped – as square groups or as a rectangular group.
Real Example
The photos app on iPhones does a great job grouping related photos together. It can be categorized down to the year.
Source
Lidwell, William, et al. Universal Principles of Design: 125 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach through Design. Rockport Publishers, 2003.
https://www.lynda.com/Dreamweaver-tutorials/Gestalt-principles/82822/97990-4.html
I like how you clearly and succinctly articulated the concept and explained the repercussions if the principle isn’t employed, as well as stress the importance of proper placement of labels/text information. The first real-life example of proximity I thought of is people: when a group is gathered together, I tend to think they’re friends or related; when two individuals are close in proximity together for a period of time, I assume they are in a relationship. I really like your example of the iOS photos app—grouping related photos together makes them easier to categorize, especially when scanning a huge array.
Proximity is probably the most important principle when it comes to screen designs. Just use this WordPress page as an example, all the links in the footer are grouped together, the labels on the right-hand side help you quickly jump from one category to another, the fact that all the links in the sticky black bar (logged-in view) on the top are together to indicate to you that they are all admin-related actions and not a part of the presentation of the actual site. These are all great uses of proximity!