PROXIMITY Where items are placed in relation to each other is another important gestalt consideration. Proximity relationships will generally dominate over similarity relationships. The strongest control is available when the two are used together. There are four specific types of proximity relationships that will be studied in this lesson: close edge, touch, overlap and combining.
Similarity occurs when forms, colors, sizes or objects look enough alike to be perceived as a group or pattern in the viewer's mind. All these different elements, when occurring in your photos, give a sense of rhythm and will connote harmony.
Proximity in design simply means that objects near each other are seen as a unit. It really is that simple and it’s something you see every day. On your web page or your business card, related information is placed closely together and it forms a visual unit. Often when people are getting started with design, there is a temptation to throw everything on the page and fill up every square centimeter of space with type and images. However, it makes information difficult to digest and really doesn’t look good.