Which principle involves perceiving a whole by filling in the missing information when an object is incomplete?

The principle being described here is known as closure. This perceptual phenomenon occurs when individuals perceive a complete shape or object even when parts of it are missing. Our brain has a tendency to fill in gaps in visual information, allowing us to recognize familiar objects or images despite their incompleteness. This is crucial in design and architecture, as it suggests that viewers will interpret incomplete forms or structures as whole entities based on their prior experiences and expectations.

In contrast, the other principles mentioned have different focuses. Continuation refers to the tendency to perceive lines or patterns in a way that follows the smoothest path. Figure and ground emphasize the relationship between an object (figure) and its background (ground), affecting how we interpret visual information. Proximity involves the way objects close to one another are perceived as related or grouped together. Understanding closure allows designers to create more engaging and effective compositions by capitalizing on the viewer's innate ability to complete imagery mentally.