The perceptual dimensions of visual simplicity

A pattern is simple if the spatial layout of objects can be spontaneously organized into one unit, regardless of the quantity of objects. Here we propose that a defi nition of visual simplicity can be based on a set of holistic dimensions related to pattern arrangement. Each perceptual dimension encodes a different aspect of spatial layout: Symmetry Degree of refl ectional invariance in all axes. More symmetry in a pattern leads to greater simplicity. Regularity of Connectedness Degree of variability between minimal distance of adjacent objects. The more regular the connections are, the more simple a pattern becomes. Lacunarity Degree of spatial homogeneity of gaps. A simple pattern includes large regions of space (less sparse) or regular gaps between objects. A complex pattern consists of a larger range of gap sizes. SIMPLICITY SPACE