The term shape perception is understood as a theory that assumes that visually perceived structures do not result from single elements. The observer sees or records these structures in their entirety primarily as a shape, recognised by a law of shape and separated from its surroundings.
In the example shown above, the observer therefore first sees a circle and only afterwards sees a ring-shaped arrangement of points. The organisation of the points is so strong that the imaginary connecting lines between the individual points are not on straight lines but on the circular line – the result being not a polygon but a perfect circle.
Luminaires are joined together to become pairs.
Four points become a square.
An example: The arrangement of two square shapes into four round shapes is reorganised into two groups of five according to the law of shape for symmetry.
This principle of sameness also applies when the shapes of a group are not identical but only similar. For example, circles of different sizes are perceived together. Rectangles and squares also sometimes belong to a group due to their similar shapes.
A closed shape is always found on the inside of the line that delineates it. This means that the shape-forming effect of the line only works in one direction. Usually this inner side is identical with the concave, enclosing side of a delineation.
This leads to the fact that even with open curves or angles, a shape effect takes place that makes a figure visible on the inside of the line, meaning in the partly enclosed area. If a plausible interpretation of the initial pattern occurs in this way, the effect of the inner side can be very strong.
Within an outline, complete enclosure is not necessary to group the objects within it. The suggestion of a closed shape is sufficient to feign a closed whole.
Experience and its resultant pre-expectation are sometimes so strong that missing parts of a shape are added or individual details are perceived as changed in order to modify the object to the expectation. Without a contour, perception of the shape can succeed here only on the basis of the shadow formation.
The experience makes it possible to recognise the overall shape due to essential details being made visible.
The principle also works with more complex depictions such as a cube. The edges of the figure are created in our brain according to the law of enclosure.
The arrangement of the points in the ceiling can be joined into two lines according to the law of good shape.
This arrangement is interpreted as two superimposed rectangles.
