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What is Gestalt ?

The term ‘Gestalt’, originating from Germany, refers to the concept of ‘shape’ or ‘form’. It is central to a branch of psychology that highlights how the mind tends to perceive patterns as more significant than individual elements. This tendency is often experienced when we view a set of dots as a cohesive arrangement instead of separate points. These laws, known as Gestalt laws of perceptual organization, are not limited to psychology alone, but extend to other fields like philosophy, arts, and sciences ¹.
The philosopher Christian von Ehrenfels used Gestalt to describe an irreducible perceptual pattern, which gave rise to the well-known phrase, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts,” a concept that later became a foundation in systems thinking ².

Additional Glossary Terms

Organized Complexity

Organized complexity involves challenges with multiple interrelated factors forming an organic whole. For example, developing a brand involves crafting a brand identity, establishing positioning, creating loyalty programs, and developing communication

What is Gestalt ?

Additional Glossary Terms

Organized Complexity

Systems Engineering

Mental Model

Paradigm

Isomorphism

Viability