Figure-Ground

Definition

In visual perception, 'figure-ground' refers to the ability of our brain to distinguish an object or figure from its background. It involves perceiving a clear and distinct shape (the figure) that stands out against a less defined and more ambiguous background (the ground).

Related terms

Proximity:

This term refers to how objects that are close together tend to be perceived as belonging together.

Closure:

Closure is when we perceive incomplete figures or shapes as complete by filling in missing information.

Similarity:

Similarity refers to our tendency to group things together based on their similar characteristics, such as shape or color.