A Theoretical Framework for Visual Weight: Contrast, Size, and Edge Sharpness as Candidate Determinants of Perceived Dominance in Static Images
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| Format: | Recurso digital |
| Language: | English |
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Zenodo
2026
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| _version_ | 1866901881669812224 |
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| author | Vasandani, Sid |
| author_facet | Vasandani, Sid |
| contents | <p><strong>Version 2 Update:</strong> <em>Revised prior to data collection to update hardness magnitude estimates, clarify structural assumptions, and better distinguish the framework’s region-level contribution from spatial-frequency approaches. A full changelog is included in the manuscript.</em></p> <p>A composition feels resolved when one element clearly leads and unstable when several compete without hierarchy, yet the image properties that produce this experience remain poorly formalized. This preprint presents a theoretical framework for that problem. The framework proposes that perceived compositional dominance depends on three candidate variables: contrast relative to a perceptually defined ground (“canvas”), fractional area, and edge transition sharpness (“hardness”). These variables are combined multiplicatively and embedded within a competitive architecture based on divisive normalization. A provisional chromatic extension accounts for interactions between color and luminance. The manuscript formalizes a concept long discussed qualitatively in art and design practice and derives falsifiable predictions for empirical testing.</p> <p>Related preregistration, stimuli, and materials are available at <a href="https://osf.io/dgauz" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://osf.io/dgauz</a> and <a href="https://osf.io/kmzgj" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://osf.io/kmzgj</a>.</p> |
| format | Recurso digital |
| id | zenodo_https___doi_org_10_5281_zenodo_19075716 |
| institution | Zenodo |
| language | eng |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publisher | Zenodo |
| record_format | zenodo |
| spellingShingle | A Theoretical Framework for Visual Weight: Contrast, Size, and Edge Sharpness as Candidate Determinants of Perceived Dominance in Static Images Vasandani, Sid visual weight compositional hierarchy perceived dominance edge sharpness divisive normalization visual perception art theory psychophysics <p><strong>Version 2 Update:</strong> <em>Revised prior to data collection to update hardness magnitude estimates, clarify structural assumptions, and better distinguish the framework’s region-level contribution from spatial-frequency approaches. A full changelog is included in the manuscript.</em></p> <p>A composition feels resolved when one element clearly leads and unstable when several compete without hierarchy, yet the image properties that produce this experience remain poorly formalized. This preprint presents a theoretical framework for that problem. The framework proposes that perceived compositional dominance depends on three candidate variables: contrast relative to a perceptually defined ground (“canvas”), fractional area, and edge transition sharpness (“hardness”). These variables are combined multiplicatively and embedded within a competitive architecture based on divisive normalization. A provisional chromatic extension accounts for interactions between color and luminance. The manuscript formalizes a concept long discussed qualitatively in art and design practice and derives falsifiable predictions for empirical testing.</p> <p>Related preregistration, stimuli, and materials are available at <a href="https://osf.io/dgauz" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://osf.io/dgauz</a> and <a href="https://osf.io/kmzgj" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://osf.io/kmzgj</a>.</p> |
| title | A Theoretical Framework for Visual Weight: Contrast, Size, and Edge Sharpness as Candidate Determinants of Perceived Dominance in Static Images |
| topic | visual weight compositional hierarchy perceived dominance edge sharpness divisive normalization visual perception art theory psychophysics |
| url | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19075716 |