Proximity

  We tend to group things together that are close together in space. Objects that are grouped together then become a single perceived object.

This is commonly seen in web design where the visual hierarchy of elements on the screen provides the grouping of related objects. Hence the navigation links or the input fields representing a mailing address are readily discernable.
 

Proximity (NDB)

  • Group related items together
  • When several items are close in proimity to each other, they become one visual unit rather than several separate units.  As in life, the proximity, or the closeness, implies a relationship.

When you use the rule of proximity several things happen:

  • Page becomes organized
  • You know where to begin (and end) reading
  • The white space becomes organized as well

Remember that things are grouped together because of an intellectual relationship not because they are close to each other.  The closeness or lack of it determines the relationship.

The purpose is to ORGANIZE

Count visual elements--if you have more than 3-5 see which of the elements can be grouped together.

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