Gestalt Principle: The Law of Proximity

The law of proximity is one of the most fascinating gestalt principles to me. It shows just how much our brains work at trying to make order out of chaos. To put it simply the law of proximity states that when objects appear close to one another they tend to be perceived as a group.

Take constellations for example. When we look at the night sky we look for stars that are close to one another and try to find some sort of meaning. Based on their proximity to one another we have clustered groups of stars and given them specific names and shapes such as The Big Dipper or Orion’s Belt. We have essentially created meaning out of randomness.

Look at the image of circles below. On the left side it appears that the circles are haphazardly placed in no particular order. On the right side, even though the same circles are used, it is clear to us that the shape of a triangle has been formed. Our minds have found a unity amongst the shapes based on their proximity to one another.

The Law of Proximity | Jeremy Bolton

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Now That’s Clever – Alfa Vale Hotel Logo

One of the recurring design challenges that logo designers face is coming up with a design for something that may be viewed as cliché or obvious. However, when done right, even the mundane can become interesting. Take the above logo for example. Although the first idea that may come to a designer making a logo for a hotel may be a bed, this design takes that idea to the next level. The inviting typography and colors add to the overall idea of comfort. Find other great logos by Denis Wong on his Behance profile.

Associated Painters Logo Design Process

One of the best parts of my job is getting an inside look into businesses outside my field of work. When I begin my research for a new client I try to learn everything I can about what they do. This helps prepare me for the branding process, but it also allows me to get a peek into a business I knew nothing about previously.

Associated Painters contacted me a few months to create a new logo for their airplane painting business. They are opening a new facility in Spokane Washington and wanted to find a local designer to help them update their logo. I was delighted to be contacted and always appreciate other groups looking for local talent. To give you some background here is a brief summary of just what they do:
[fancy_box]For over three decades Associated Painters, Inc. (AP) has been in the business of painting commercial aircraft. With over two thousand aircraft painted to date AP has emerged in the aerospace industry as ‘the’ service provider of choice for aircraft manufacturers like Boeing, modification centers like Aviation Technical Services, Inc. in Everett, Washington and AAR Aviation Services – Oklahoma…as well as scores of international and domestic airline companies.[/fancy_box]

The work they do is both challenging and creative. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became with the process of painting commercial airplanes. Needless to say I was excited to start brainstorming ideas.

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Now That’s Clever – Museum of London Logo

Museum of London Logo by design firm Coley Porter Bell

The striking new logo, designed by award winning agency Coley Porter Bell, takes the conceptual form of London’s thumbprint. Coloured layers map the shape of London over time, reflecting the ever-changing, diverse and dynamic make up of London and Londoners, past, present and future. The brand mark has been crafted to create visual impact, and link the Museum venues. — Press Release

I came across the Museum of London recently and was simply fascinated with the concept. The logo epitomizes the very essence of conceptual logo design. And it does so with style and flair. It also represents a logo that gives you an “Aha!” moment. It’s unlikely you will understand the logo concept at first glance, but when you are told what it represents the logo takes on a whole new layer of meaning.

Yay:Nay:Stay: Expedia’s New Logo

Expedia Logo Gets Streamlined

Once again I am drawn to the new typeface more so than the new mark. I am also noticing a trend with new logo typefaces that shear off the ascenders and descenders of each letter. The old logo gave the feel of zooming off to some fun location. The new logo feels a little stuffy, bland, and corporate. (Not exactly the image I think this type of company is wanting to portray.) What do you think?

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