Proximity

• Proximity refers to where items are and how that effects grouping. Where items are placed in relation to each other and Proximity relationships will generally dominate over similarity relationships.

How to use it

• You can achieve contrast through the following:
• Larger and Smaller objects.
• Color Differences (the emphasis object has a different color).
• Repeated groupings (emphasizes differences between the various groups).

Advantages

• Objects that are grouped together can be associated with each other.
• Grouping objects can enhance a specific image.
• Gives the elements greater impact as the eye grazes from one object to the next.

Disadvantages

• Misinterpreting the grouping, thus causing the viewer to be confused.
• Too many groupings may simply become repetitive and boring.

What is Similarity

• Similarity refers to what items look like (size, shape, value/color) and how that effects grouping.

Comparison of Similarity and Proximity

Examples of Proximity