Design by heuristic Approach

and
Gestalt Model
Experience based Technique for
learning
Parul University, Vadodara
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

• In simple definition “is an adjective for experience-based

techniques that help in problem solving, learning and
discovery.”

• In precise terms, heuristics stand for strategies using

readily accessible, though loosely applicable, information
to control problem solving.

• It shows that we learn majority times by trial-and-error in

other terms by personal experiences; however, heuristic
knowledge.
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

Ten Pointer Criteria

 Heuristic 1: Be Passionate, have zeal to exceed expectations and
consistently delivering a better performance every time.

 Heuristic 2: Requirements docs are just a means to test the product/

software based on the specs, trust your instincts, don’t completely
rely on them.

 Heuristic 3: Use mind map to brainstorm the ideas (A mind map is a

diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked
to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are
used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an
aid to studying and organizing information, solving problems,
making decisions, and writing.)
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

Heuristic 4: Ask questions as much as you can, this applies to

everyone, document the answers; create knowledge base/FAQs it helps
every time. You can question the product which doesn’t even exist
functional.

Heuristic 5: Innovation, creating innovative solutions and convert them

into positive results.

Heuristic 6: Accountability, taking ownership of the product/software,

this is your product you are the stakeholder.

Heuristic 7: Personal Integrity, all actions should be based on

openness, trust and integrity/honesty.
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

Heuristic 8: Think and Act like an Expert, set a MISSION and a

VISION for you.

Heuristic 9: Create a Story out of your observations; it helps in

understanding the problem, performing analysis and reporting.

Heuristic 10: Learning & Sharing Curve, Read More, Learn various
methods, diversify, and Share your experiences with community.
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

Gestalt Model
 Gestalt theory originated in Austria and Germany toward the end of
the 19th century. Since then, Gestalt theory has has become
fundamental to several related disciplines, including art, graphic
design, web design and interior design.

 Gestalt theory focuses on the mind’s perceptive processes. The word

"Gestalt" has no direct translation in English, but refers to "a way a
thing has been Gestellt ; i.e., ‘placed,’ or ‘put together’"; common
translations include "form" and "shape"

 Gestalt therapy is an existential, phenomenological and process-

based approach
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

 Individuals must be understood in the context of their ongoing

relationship with environment

 Awareness, choice and responsibility are cornerstones of practice

 Gestalt therapy is lively & promotes direct experiencing rather than

the abstractness of talking about situations

 Gestalt theory was introduced as a contrast to at the time

dominant structuralism, which claimed that complex perceptions
could be understood through breaking them into smaller elementary
parts of experience, like splitting graphical forms into sets of dots or
melody into sequence of sounds.
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

 Gestaltists attacked this theory: same melody can be recognized if

transposed into another key and perception of a rectangle can be
achieved through other forms than four lines. The idea of
Wertheimer was that the ability to perceive objects was an ability of
the nervous system, which tends to group together objects that
are nearby, similar, form smooth lines, form most of the shape we
can recognize.
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

What is Gestalt Theory

 Gestalt theorists
followed the basic
principle that the
whole is greater
than the sum of its
parts.

 In viewing the
"whole," a cognitive
process takes place
– the mind makes a
leap from
comprehending the
parts to realizing the
whole.
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

Gestalt Laws of Organization

 proximity - elements tend to be grouped together according to
their nearness

 similarity - items similar in some respect tend to be grouped

together

 closure - items are grouped together if they tend to complete

some entity

 Continuation – the eye is compelled to move through one

object and continue to another object
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL
DESIGN BY HEURISTIC APPROACH AND GESTALT MODEL

Reference
[1] Neha Thakur “Testing Heuristics & Cognitive Approach to Testing” White Paper Submitted for STC
2010

[2] http://teorije-ucenja.zesoi.fer.hr/doku.php?id=learning_theories:gestalt_psychology
Thank you