What concept suggests that similar things are associated with each other?

The concept that suggests similar things are associated with each other is grounded in the principle of similarity. This principle is one of the foundational ideas in Gestalt psychology, which focuses on how humans naturally perceive patterns and organize visual elements. When elements share visual characteristics such as shape, size, color, or texture, they tend to be grouped together by the viewer's mind, leading to the perception that these elements are related or belong to the same category.

For example, in a web design context, buttons of the same color might be perceived as belonging to the same set of actions, indicating similar functions. This understanding helps designers create more intuitive user experiences by leveraging the way people naturally interpret visual cues. By applying the principle of similarity, designers can efficiently guide users through content and interactions, enhancing usability and creating a cohesive aesthetic.

Contrast refers to the difference between elements, which is not indicative of association. Composition involves the arrangement of visual elements within a space, focusing more on organization than association. Closure relates to the brain’s tendency to fill in gaps to perceive a complete form, which is unrelated to the association of similar items. Therefore, the principle of similarity effectively explains how grouping similar elements fosters connections and simplifies visual processing.