Which term refers to the collective look and feel of a surface?

• A. Alignment
• B. Movement
• C. Texture
• D. Proximity

Answer: (C)

Texture describes the surface’s look and feel—the roughness or smoothness, grain, and pattern that give a design its tactile impression and sense of depth. This quality shapes how a surface appears to be touched and perceived, contributing to the overall mood and realism of the piece. Alignment is about positioning elements in relation to a grid or margins, not the surface quality. Movement concerns the path the viewer’s eye follows through the layout, influencing dynamism. Proximity deals with how close items are to each other to imply grouping. Since texture specifically captures surface appearance and tactility, it best describes the collective look and feel of the surface.