Gestalt Theory

A theory in psychology that discusses the general idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It's based on a human need to search for stability and meaning, which leads to organic movements towards wholeness. Gestalt Theory assumes there are inherent flaws in how we perceive forms and patterns, and it holds that this innate tendency transforms into an active process of looking for order in reality.

More terms you might want to know

Foil Stamping

The process of applying a thin layer of foil to paper coated with adhesive on one side.

Affordance

Affordances describe a relationship between the environment and an animate object, classified as either positive or negative.

Items, such as a car that leads to movement, have a positive affordance. Things like stairs that lead upwards have a negative affordance because they will not allow for any other form of movement other than up or down if used accordingly.

Abstract Mark

An abstract mark is a type of logo where instead of being a recognizable object from everyday life, it is an abstract geometric form representing a business or brand. Famous examples include the BP starburst logo, and the Pepsi divided circle.

Web Page Elements

A textual or graphical component in a web page.

Masthead

The name, logo, and other identifying information at the top of a newspaper or magazine publication.

Cool Colours

Colours on the opposite side of the colour wheel to warm colours. Typically bluish in tone, such as blue or green.

UX Audit

A discipline that analyses the usability of an application by assessing its interaction design and user experience.

Stock Photo

A photograph that is purchased and licensed for exclusive use by an individual or business.

Thumbnail Sketch

A quick and rough sketch of what you are about to work on. Good for getting the ideas out of your head and onto the page while you're still in that creative phase.

Stem

The part of a letter, usually a vertical line, that rise above the x-height.

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