The core
The Law of Proximity is a design principle that comes from Gestalt psychology. It means that things that are placed close to each other are seen as related or part of the same group. Our brains naturally assume that items near one another belong together.
Psychologists found that our minds prefer to see structure and patterns, so when elements are placed near each other, we see them as part of the same group, even if they’re not actually connected. This mental shortcut helps reduce effort and allows us to process information faster.
In design, this principle is powerful because it lets us communicate relationships and hierarchy simply through layout and spacing, without needing extra labels or borders.
Takeaways
Grouping things together shows they’re connected. When elements like buttons, text, or icons are placed close to each other, users understand they belong to the same function or idea. This helps them find what they need faster. It’s a simple way to make content feel organised and easier to understand.
Good spacing helps users move through a page without feeling confused or overwhelmed. Grouping related items together makes the experience feel cleaner and more organised. It gives the design a clear, natural flow.
It improves user experience by reducing clutter. Instead of adding borders or boxes, designers can use white space to group or separate elements. This makes the design feel lighter and more modern. It also helps users avoid mistakes, like clicking the wrong button or reading the wrong label.
Designers often focus on visuals like colour, icons, or typography, but spacing is just as powerful. A few pixels can change how something is perceived. Paying attention to proximity makes the entire interface easier to use and more visually balanced.
