Which principle relates to how the eye differentiates an object from its surrounding area?

The principle that describes how the eye differentiates an object from its surrounding area is known as Figure and Ground. This concept is fundamental in visual perception, where the "figure" refers to the object of focus, while the "ground" is the background or surrounding space. Our visual system organizes scenes so that we can identify and separate objects from what is around them.

This principle helps in recognizing shapes and forms by allowing the viewer to identify what is important or the main subject against less important background details. The clarity of this distinction is crucial for effective communication in design, as it guides the viewer's attention and influences their understanding of the visual message being conveyed.

Other principles, such as Closure, Continuation, and Proximity, involve different aspects of perception, such as completing shapes, following lines, or grouping related objects, but they do not specifically address the differentiation between an object and its background in the same fundamental way that Figure and Ground does.