- one of the many gestalt principles of perception.
o we see individual elements as a single recognizable pattern rather then a bunch of individual elements
o its so strong that we will fill in gaps with missing information
- we prefer simple recognizable patterns and simple shapes(squares circles, triangles)
- if energy to required to find or form a pattern is greater than the energy required to perceive the elements closure wont occur
- allows designers to communicate
o reduce complexity
o make it more interesting