DTP Graphic Design Principles 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Gestalt principle explains why viewers perceive a circle made of dashes as a complete circle?
- Similarity
- Proximity
- Closure (Correct answer)
- Figure-ground
Correct answer: Closure
Closure is the Gestalt principle where the mind fills in missing information to perceive an incomplete shape as complete.
Question 2: A design uses a consistent visual beat of alternating large and small images. This exemplifies:
- Unity
- Rhythm (Correct answer)
- Emphasis
- Proportion
Correct answer: Rhythm
Rhythm in design creates a sense of movement and pattern through the repetition of visual elements at regular or varied intervals.
Question 3: The 'figure-ground' relationship in graphic design describes:
- The contrast between foreground colors and background colors only
- The perceptual distinction between an object (figure) and its surrounding area (ground) (Correct answer)
- How typography sits on photographic backgrounds
- The layering order in design software
Correct answer: The perceptual distinction between an object (figure) and its surrounding area (ground)
Figure-ground is the Gestalt principle describing how viewers distinguish the main subject (figure) from its background (ground).
Question 4: Which typeface classification is characterized by strokes of uniform width and no serifs?
- Old Style
- Transitional
- Sans-serif (Correct answer)
- Slab serif
Correct answer: Sans-serif
Sans-serif typefaces lack the small decorative strokes (serifs) at the ends of letterforms and typically have uniform stroke widths.
Question 5: A designer wants to create maximum contrast in a layout. Which color pairing achieves this most effectively?
- Analogous colors
- Monochromatic colors
- Complementary colors (Correct answer)
- Tints of the same hue
Correct answer: Complementary colors
Complementary colors sit directly opposite each other on the color wheel and create the strongest possible color contrast when paired.
Question 6: In design, 'kerning' specifically adjusts the space:
- Between all characters in a block of text uniformly
- Between two specific adjacent characters (Correct answer)
- Between words in a line
- Between lines of text
Correct answer: Between two specific adjacent characters
Kerning is the manual adjustment of space between two specific characters to improve visual consistency and readability.
Question 7: Which principle ensures that all elements in a design appear to belong together as a cohesive whole?
- Contrast
- Emphasis
- Unity (Correct answer)
- Variety
Correct answer: Unity
Unity creates a sense of wholeness and cohesion by ensuring all design elements relate harmoniously to one another.
DTP Graphic Design Principles 4
Which Gestalt principle explains why viewers perceive a circle made of dashes as a complete circle?