Law of Prägnanz.

Belinda Koech
2 min readJul 19, 2023

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The Law of Prägnanz, also known as the Law of Good Continuation, is a principle of perception that suggests that people tend to perceive visual elements in the simplest and most organized way possible. This principle is important in UX design because it can help designers create interfaces that are easy to understand and navigate.

People will perceive and interpret ambiguous or complex images as the simplest form possible, because it is the interpretation that requires the least cognitive effort of us.

A practical example of the Law of Prägnanz in action in UX design is the use of simple and clear visual design elements. By using simple shapes, colours, and typography, designers can create a sense of order and organisation that makes it easier for users to understand and interact with the interface.

Another example of the Law of Prägnanz in UX design is the use of consistent and predictable patterns throughout the interface. By creating a consistent visual language, designers can create a sense of order and familiarity that makes it easier for users to navigate and understand the interface.

By leveraging the Law of Prägnanz, designers can create interfaces that are more intuitive and easier to navigate. However, it’s important to balance the need for simplicity with the need for creativity and innovation. In some cases, too much simplicity can actually make an interface less engaging or memorable.

Overall, by considering the Law of Prägnanz in your UX design process and using visual cues to create a sense of simplicity and order, designers can create interfaces that are more effective and user-friendly.

Takeaways

  • The human eye likes to find simplicity and order in complex shapes because it prevents us from becoming overwhelmed with information.
  • Research confirms that people are better able to visually process and remember simple figures than complex figures.
  • The human eye simplifies complex shapes by transforming them into a single, unified shape.

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Belinda Koech

Product Designer|| Open Source Contributor|| Digital Strategist