Figure–Ground Relationship
n. The association and dependency of one object or being compared to another.
In two dimensional designs, the figure–ground composition can be stabilized through thoughtful attention to the layout. In designs that are experienced through motion, temporal attention assumes an unfolding of figures and grounds. The relationships between these competing variables present as another example of hierarchy in attention. The actor can choose what to give attention to. An actor cannot be forced to see or notice. A designer can nudge the actor in a given direction, but the final experience is in the body of the beholder (via default or choice).
see Attentional Hierarchy, Range–Vision, Willful Performance