Common Fate

The principle of common fate defines elements that move to one common particular direction as a one group and this group is thought to be more related than the group of the other elements that move to the opposite direction. The strongest relatedndess occurs when the motional elements occur at the same time with the same velocity and in the same direction. Therefore it is obvious to say that if any of those factors vary, the elements are decreasingly related. The common fate usually deals with the moving element, however, it also could be found with static elements that flicker.The strongest common fate for flickering elements is observed when those elements flicker at the same time with the same frequency and the same magnitude or in case when there are particular patterns and rhythms among those elements. Under the common fate relationship, when there are moving objects and standing (or stationary) objects, the moving objects would be defined as figure elements and another group of elements is perceived as ground elements.

Common Fate example:



These 36 small circles suggest different arrangement in alphabetical order. Those arrangements are little bit different from each other and it changes method of grouping. According to each arrangement method, Gestaltlists explain a law of the grouping. For example, Because A has characteristic of common arrangement, it is perceived as each individual element. Because picture B and C are circles that horizontally or vertically arranged, it is perceived as 5 units. Because Picture D contains with black and white circles, it is perceived as two groups, white and black. Picture E is the law of common fate. Compare with the other pictures, Circles of Picture E lean on right upper side and it is perceived that all circles move to one particular direction.