Proximity is more powerful than similarity or color.  It does not matter if elements have different shapes, sizes, or colors. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The law of proximity states that "things that are close together appear to be more related than things that are spaced farther apart." 

The Law of Proximity

"What are Gestalt Principles?" Interaction Design. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/gestalt-principles

Gestalt Principles of Design

Hierarchy of Proximity

The best way to use the proximity principle in interface design is by grouping elements that present similar information, which can organize that information and declutter surfaces. 

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