In visual design, when elements generally follow the Gestalt principle of similarity, a single object can be emphasized by intentionally making it different from the rest. This breaking of similarity is called an 'anomaly.' Anomalies create contrast and visual weight, drawing the user’s attention to a specific focal point while assisting with scannability, discoverability, and the overall flow of an interface.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

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Elements sharing similar visual characteristics are perceived to be more related than those not sharing similar characteristics.
In UI design, we tend to perceive similar to each other elements as grouped or a pattern. We also might think that they serve the same purpose. Similarity can help us with organizing and classifying objects within a group and linking them with a specific meaning or function.

Similarity

There are different ways of making elements perceived as being similar, and thus, related. These include similarity of color, size, shape, texture, dimension, and orientation; with some of them being more strongly communicative than others (ex. color > size > shape). When Similarity occurs, an object can get emphasized by being different from the rest; this is called ‘Anomaly’ and can be used to create contrast or visual weight. It can draw the user’s attention to a specific piece of content (focal point) while assisting with scanability, discoverability and the overall flow.

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