figureground

Figure-ground is a perceptual organization principle in which the visual field is divided into a figure, the part of the scene that stands out and draws attention, and the ground, the surrounding background. The distinction between figure and ground is fundamental to how people interpret scenes, recognize objects, and perceive depth.

How the figure and ground are determined depends on multiple cues. Edges and contours, luminance contrast, and shading help define a boundary that separates figure from ground. The figure is usually perceived as having shape, form, and edges that are more salient, while the ground is more uniform and extensible.

Perception can switch between figure and ground, a phenomenon known as figure-ground reversal. A classic example is Rubin's vase, which can be seen either as two faces in profile or as a central vase, depending on interpretation.

Historically, figure-ground analysis emerged from Gestalt psychology in the early 20th century, with researchers such as Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, and Kurt Koffka examining how perceptual organization governs what is seen. The concept has influenced fields from psychology to design and visual communication.

Factors that influence figure-ground assignment include contrast, edge orientation, symmetry, convexity, and proximity; top-down factors such as expectations and prior knowledge can also shape interpretation. Understanding figure-ground helps explain optical illusions, logo design, and how people parse complex scenes.