Gestalt theory, which originated in early 20th-century Germany, explores the mechanisms of visual perception, where the brain groups elements to form coherent wholes. One of its fundamental concepts, emergence theory, emphasizes that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. This approach to Gestalt psychology is based on various laws, such as the law of proper form (or pregnance), where the brain seeks to recognize meaningful forms in a sometimes random arrangement of components.

Among these principles are the law of continuity, which sees nearby elements perceived as forming a continuous pattern; the law of proximity, which groups nearby elements as belonging to the same entity; the law of similarity, which attributes similar elements to the same form (if distance allows); the law of common fate, which associates elements moving along the same trajectory with the same form; and finally, the law of closure, where the brain fills in gaps to perceive a form in its entirety.

The principles of Gestalt find concrete application in interface design, making it possible to give meaning to forms or information that might seem disparate at first glance.