What area of knowledge outside art contributed to the development principles perspective?

While the principles of design (like balance, contrast, rhythm, etc.) are rooted in aesthetics and our perception of visual information, their development was heavily influenced by several areas of knowledge outside of art:

* Psychology: The understanding of how humans perceive and process information, especially visual information, is fundamental to design principles. Psychology helps explain how we react to different visual elements, and how those elements create a sense of balance, harmony, or tension. For example, the principles of contrast and emphasis draw from psychological studies on attention and perception.

* Cognitive Science: This field explores how we think, learn, and make decisions. It contributes to design principles by explaining how we understand and interact with visual information. Concepts like information hierarchy and intuitive navigation are directly influenced by cognitive science research.

* Human Factors: This field focuses on designing systems and products that are safe, efficient, and easy to use. Its principles directly inform design principles for user interfaces and product design, emphasizing user experience and accessibility.

* Mathematics: Underlying many design principles are mathematical concepts, such as the Golden Ratio, which relates to harmony and balance, and geometric shapes, which influence visual composition and rhythm.

* Science: The understanding of light, color, and optics from fields like physics and optics directly influences design principles like color theory and the use of light and shadow in visual art.

These external areas of knowledge have contributed to the development of design principles by:

* Providing theoretical frameworks: Theories from these disciplines offer a scientific and systematic basis for understanding and applying design principles.

* Offering empirical evidence: Research in these fields provides concrete data and evidence to support the effectiveness of certain design principles.

* Expanding the scope of design: By incorporating insights from these disciplines, the principles of design are broadened to encompass more than just aesthetic considerations, including functionality, user experience, and accessibility.

In conclusion, while art provides the foundation for the principles of design, the development and application of these principles are significantly enriched by the interdisciplinary contributions of psychology, cognitive science, human factors, mathematics, and science.