049 Figure-Ground
Elements are perceived as either figures (objects of focus) or ground (the rest of the perceptual field).
• One of the Gestalt principles of perception.
• The human perceptual system separates stimuli into figure elements or ground elements. Figure elements receive more attention and are better remembered than ground elements.
• Elements below a horizon line or in the lower regions of a design are more likely to be perceived as figures.
• Elements above a horizon line or in the upper region are more likely to be perceived as ground.
• Increase the recall of key elements by making them figures in a composition. Clearly differentiate between figure and ground elements to focus attention and minimize perceptual confusion.
See Also 3D Projection • Closure • Signal-to-Noise Ratio
