On Gestalt principles

Gestalt principles, those old psychology gems, shape how users see and move through words on a screen. Lean into them, and the writing snaps into focus.

Proximity groups what belongs. Place “Save” and “Cancel” close in a form’s flow—users link them as options. Spread them apart, and confusion creeps in. Nearness signals connection; distance breeds doubt.

Continuation keeps the eye rolling. A sign-up steps list—“Name,” “Email,” “Password”—flows down in order, nudging users to the next field without a hitch.

Closure fills gaps. “Order placed—check your email” skips the fluff; users mentally complete the story. Don’t spell out every step—trust their brains to connect the dots. Symmetry balances the load. Pair “Sign Up” and “Log In” evenly on a homepage—equal weight, equal choice. Lopsided options feel off.

Similarity ties like with like. Error messages in red—“Invalid email,” “Password too short”—signal trouble consistently. Users spot the pattern fast. Common Area boxes it up. Group “Username” and “Password” under a “Login” header, and the purpose locks in—everything inside feels related.

Common Fate moves together. In a progress bar, “Step 1: Info” and “Step 2: Payment” march forward as a unit—users follow the momentum. Tie the journey tight.

These principles teach users how to operate. Writing that respects them feels effortless, not forced. Proximity clusters, closure assures, continuation guides—each one a nudge.