Objects grouped together are seen as a whole
According to Gestalt psychology, our brain perceives forms and shapes as one whole object even though there are some parts missing. When looking at a visual design, our brain will automatically fill in the gaps of what is missing in what our eyes see. While using the Closure principle, we play with the negative and positive of the space to create the object. We can also apply the Closure Principle by grouping individual elements into a special arrangement or create patterns that trigger our brain into forming an object.
The principle of closure was used wisely in design and graphical elements. It helps simplify the details that are not needed to make it a stronger image. It also combines with other shapes to bring out deeper meaning or hidden messages of the design. This makes the design more appealing and interesting and invites the viewer to spend more time studying the design in more depth.
This is the sample from Universal Principle of Design book. The shape of the penguin was created by different shapes and colors. Although several parts of the penguin are missing and lacks enough details, our brain was still able to form and associate the various elements into the shape of a penguin.
Unilever created their logo by putting different smaller objects into a shape of the letter “U”. All of the elements are stand alone and have different meanings. But when they are formed into the shape of U, they are acting as a pattern, which is easily recognizable.
This is a set of wooden chopsticks I got in from Vietnam. If we glance through the object, we can see it has a shape of a fan. However, when we take out any part of the object, it can also act as a practical element.
Citation and References:
- 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, 2010.
- https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2016/05/improve-your-designs-with-the-principles-of-closure-and-figure-ground-part-2/
- https://www.unilever.com/
Closure is an amazing example of how few cues our mind needs to make something into a recognizable image. Our brain fills in the gaps.
Mosaic images are a great example that are in line with the U and chopstick fan examples that you gave. They manipulate the eye and brain by using groupings of similar colors, light and darkness to create a new image. This image is usually more powerful and takes over as the predominant image we see.
Collection of online photo mosaics:
https://www.picturemosaics.com/photomosaics/gallery/
Collection of physical work by various artists: https://mosaicartsupply.com/mosaic-artists-gallery/
Closure, or as I knew it before, ‘Negative Space’. Is one of the most common techniques today for effective utilization of space for logo design. It provides the designer with the ability to concoct several messages in one small space. The link below will show several recent designs.
One aspect you briefly mentioned in your post, and of a tremendous importance, is the conscious or unconscious use of this technique. Designers must know, understand and manipulate the negative space as much as the main design. It can’t be left to chance, people’s brains are wired to recognize patterns first, then individual shapes.
Good Current Use of Closure in Logo Design:
https://designshack.net/articles/graphics/80-clever-negative-space-logo-designs/
Closure used in photography:
http://pixelcurse.com/photography/35-great-examples-of-using-negative-space-in-photography
Excellent explanation of closure! One example I found from my every day is the FEI logo. The space between the letters of F and E is made to look like a horse with a few simple additions, but the space there is not entirely closed. However, our mind still perceives it as a horse head! Here is an example: https://vetsez.company/about-us-2/fei-international-federation-for-equestrian-sports-logo/