What is the Law of Pragnanz, also known as the Law of Good Form?

The Law of Pragnanz, often referred to as the Law of Good Form, asserts that individuals tend to perceive forms in the simplest manner possible. This principle emphasizes that the human mind has a tendency to organize visual information into the most coherent and aesthetically pleasing shapes or configurations. Essentially, when presented with a complex array of stimuli, our perceptual system strives to interpret them in a manner that requires the least cognitive effort, leading us to favor shapes that are symmetrical, regular, and easily recognizable. For instance, when looking at an ambiguous figure, the mind will naturally align it with familiar structures, seeking to achieve simplicity and clarity. This inclination highlights an underlying cognitive preference for organization and ease in perception, illustrating how our mental processes seek patterns that facilitate understanding and interpretation.