Page 77 - Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals

Graphic Design 65
Continuation is the tendency of the mind to see a single continuous line of connection rather than discrete
components (see Figure 3.20). The eye is drawn along a path, line, or curve, as long as there is enough
proximity between objects to do so. This tendency can be used to point toward another element in the
composition, or to draw the eye around a composition. The eye will continue along the path or direction
suggested by the composition even when the composition ends, continuing beyond the page dimensions.

Closure

Figure 3.21 Closure

Closure is a design technique that uses the mind’s tendency to complete incomplete shapes (see Figure
3.21). The principle works if the viewer is given enough visual information to perceive a complete shape
in the negative space. In essence, the mind ‘closes’ a form, object, or composition. In the example above
, the triangle is formed by the viewer’s mind, which wants to close the shape formed by the gaps and
spaces of the adjacent circles and lines. The partial triangle, outlined in black also hints at the missing
shape.