An Eye-Tracking Study on Viewer Compliance with the Gestalt Closure Principle: Analyzing the Impact of Gap Size and the Golden Ratio

Abstract

Abstract The Gestalt principle of closure refers to brain activity filling in missing information to perceive objects as complete, even when partially hidden. Designers leverage this principle to imply shapes without explicitly showing them. However, evaluating viewer responses poses challenges. The author conducted a comprehensive eye-tracking experiment to determine when viewers mentally completed a gap in a circle and explored the potential influence of the golden ratio on the closure principle. The golden ratio, approximately 1.618, is associated with visual harmony and is used in art and design to create pleasing proportions. Findings showed that viewers tend to mentally close gaps up to 135° but avoid closure beyond 150°. This suggests the golden ratio’s relevance in applying the closure principle to design.