Blickhöhe

Blickhöhe is a German term used to describe the vertical position of a viewer’s eyes relative to objects in a scene. It corresponds to what is often called eye level or line of sight in other languages. The concept is used across design, architecture, photography, film, and signage to influence perception, scale, and readability.

In photography and film, Blickhöhe refers to the camera height in relation to the subject. Different eye-level positions create varying psychological effects: a shot at eye level tends to feel natural and balanced, while high or low Blickhöhe can emphasize dominance, vulnerability, or distance between characters and the audience.

In architecture, urban planning, and display design, Blickhöhe helps determine how façades, artworks, signs, and screens are experienced by passersby. Objects and information are often positioned so they are encountered at or near the viewer’s typical eye level, facilitating legibility and engagement. This consideration also affects accessibility and wayfinding.

The exact height designated as Blickhöhe varies by context, culture, and purpose. Standards may reference the average adult eye level, with common practical ranges around 1.5 to 1.7 meters above ground for standing observers, though signage in vehicles, interiors, or public spaces may use different reference heights for seated or specialized populations.

See also: eye level, line of sight, perspective.