Law of Proximity

Objects that are near each other tend to be perceived as a group.

Overview

The Law of Proximity is one of the Gestalt principles of perception. It states that elements that are close together tend to be perceived as a single group or pattern, even if the elements differ in shape, color, or size.

This principle is widely used in user interface design to create visual hierarchies and organize information.

Examples

• Navigation menus with items grouped by function
• Form fields with labels positioned close to their inputs
• Related content grouped in cards or panels

Implementation Guidelines

1. Group related items closer together
2. Separate unrelated items with more space
3. Use consistent spacing within groups
4. Consider proximity in relation to other visual principles

Comparison with Other Principles