There are many ways to explain how the human brain perceives an image of an object. Theories of design introduced by Kimball and Hawkins (2008) explore human visual perception using psychology, physiology, and neuroscience knowledge. Furthermore, exploring design theories in practical application makes the theories more comprehensible. In this essay, I will apply the neurophysiology, gestalt, and ecological perception theory using the example of the tree I see from one of the windows in my room.
Firstly, the neurophysiological theory prioritizes the physical mechanisms of human visual perception. Thus, the theory perceives the process of forming an interpretation of a visual object as the human nervous system’s response to objects as a visual stimulus (Friedrich et al., 2020). When watching a tree from a window, my nervous system collects information about the object and its shape, color, and motion through the receptors in the eye retina. The light entering my eyes is captured by rods and cones in the retina, which transforms the light image into electric signals for the brain. Therefore, my brain receives signals that the object is motionless except for the leaves swaying in the direction of the wind. Furthermore, the information about the object’s color is detected and processed through the cones in the retina. Thus, the brain associates the green color of leaves with plants; combined with information about the object’s size, the brain defines the object as a large plant, such as a tree.
Next, the Gestalt theory focuses on how the human brain organizes information about visual objects. Following the principles of Gestalt theory, my perception of the tree I see from the window is based on the object’s symmetry and order, similarity, and proximity to the environment and other objects. Gestalt psychology prioritizes forms and their organization as the primary physical fact (Poulaki, 2018). Thus, my brain can determine that the object is a plant because of its form of a single trunk and several branches. Furthermore, the asymmetry of the tree implies its natural origins, while its proximity and similarity to other trees in the environment that the object is a typical representative of the local ecosystem.
Lastly, the theory of ecological perception is different from other perception theories because it prioritizes the role of interactions with the object’s affordances. Considering the example of the tree seen from the window, one can assume that it is possible to tear one of the leaves from the branch without significant effort. However, using the width and reliability of the branches, one can easily climb a tree. Furthermore, eliminating the object will require additional force and special equipment because of the object’s large size. On the other hand, eliminating the tree is undesirable as it represents part of an ecosystem. Thus, the ecological perception of the tree presents information about the possible actions that can be performed with the object and potential ways of interacting with the tree.
In conclusion, exploring the application of different visual perception theories in practice illustrated the core difference between the theories. The neurophysiological theory prioritizes visual signals received by the brain in constructing an object’s perception. Gestalt theory is based on a consistent study of the individual characteristics of the object using the knowledge gained from past experiences. Lastly, the alternative ecological approach to perception utilizes visual information to define the potential interactions with the object.
References
Friedrich, J., Verrel, J., Kleimaker, M., Munchau, A., Beste, C., & Baumer, T. (2020). Neurophysiological correlates of perception–action binding in the somatosensory system.Scientific Reports, 10, 1-12.
Kimball, M. A., & Hawkins, A. R. (2008). Document design: A guide for technical communicators. Bedford St. Martin’s.
Poulaki, M. (2018). The ‘good form’ of film: The aesthetics of continuity from gestalt psychology to cognitive film theory. Gestalt Theory, 40(1), 29-44.