What happens when elements are placed close together in design?

When elements are placed close together in design, they tend to be perceived as a group because of the principle of proximity, one of the key principles of Gestalt psychology. This principle refers to how our brains organize visual elements based on spatial relationships. When items are closely spaced, the human perception system tends to group them together, interpreting them as connected or related, even if they differ in color, shape, or other attributes. This grouping can enhance visual coherence and help convey a particular message or narrative in design, allowing designers to organize information in a way that is easily understood by viewers.

The other options represent different effects that might occur in design but do not pinpoint the core outcome of proximity. For instance, items perceived as one element could imply a lack of individual identity, while a sense of movement is more closely associated with eye direction rather than proximity alone. Visual confusion typically arises from overly complex arrangements rather than simply the closeness of elements.