Law of Prägnanz

People see complex shapes in the simplest form they can.

Why it matters

The eye prefers simple forms because they take less effort to process.

How to use it

  • Use simple, clear shapes and icons.
  • Simplify layouts and alignment.
  • Avoid decoration that makes forms harder to read.

Example

The Olympic rings are seen as five overlapping circles, not as a set of complicated curves.

Go deeper: Laws of UX