139 Uniform Connectedness

Things connected by lines or boxes are perceived to be more related than things not connected.

• One of the Gestalt principles of perception.

• There are two strategies for applying uniform connectedness: connecting lines and common regions.

• Connecting lines touch two or more elements.

• Common regions enclose two or more elements with boxes or shaded areas.

• Uniform connectedness is the strongest grouping principle, and will overpower other grouping effects.

• Consider this principle to correct poorly grouped control and display configurations. Use common regions to group text and clusters of control elements. Use connecting lines to group individual elements and imply sequence.

See Also Closure • Common Fate • Figure-Ground Good Continuation • Proximity • Similarity

Uniform connectedness is a means of grouping elements and overriding competing cues like proximity and similarity.