Final answer:
True, design is often perceived as a whole first before the individual elements are noticed. This aligns with the principle of Gestalt psychology and is evident in how we view complex designs such as watches or natural forms. The principles of design focus on creating a cohesive whole that functions properly and appeals to the user.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that design is seen as a whole first, before the individual elements are noticed, can be considered true in many cases. This perception aligns with the principle of Gestalt psychology, which suggests we tend to organize sensory stimuli into a whole or gestalt, before we focus on the individual components. When we experience the design of objects or systems, such as a watch or the intricate complexity of a natural form like the human eye, we typically perceive them as complete entities. Only upon closer inspection do we start to appreciate the detailed and interconnected pieces that make up the overall design
Paley's analogy between the design found within a watch and design within the universe suggests this notion of initial wholeness in perception. When we view a watch, we recognize it as a device for telling time before understanding how each gear and spring contributes to its function. Similarly, poor design decisions in the development process that do not consider the whole can negatively affect the outcome, underlining the importance of viewing design as an integrated entity. Our cognitive tendency is known as the 'principle of closure,' where we perceive things as complete objects rather than a disparate collection of parts.
Principles of design teach us how to visually organize the individual elements to create a cohesive and functional whole. A detailed design that includes a market analysis and shapes and dimensions of all physical components reinforces this unified view. Patterns in design work towards achieving this unity, suggesting an overarching organized theme or repetition rather than drawing immediate attention to separate elements.