Visual Techniques

Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

visual terms:

-balance

-harmony

-neutrality

-bold

-depth

George Nelson Ball Clock

visual terms:

-symmetry

-simplicity

-accent

-repetition

-randomness

Summary:

     Both of the images above are of two very famous product designs by world renowned industrial designers. The first image is of the Eames Lounge chair, developed by Charles and Ray Eames. The second image is of George Nelson's signature ball lamp. These two piece are both from the product design world yet have varying key aspects to them. I would say that the Eames lounge chair is both harmonized and balance, first by the combination of the dark warm wood with the soothing satin leather, second by the general shape as soft nature of the form. The lounge chair also has multiple aspect which I would say make it rather bold. The Eames lounge chair is very different compared to the Nelson Ball clock. Several aspects of the clock include, obvious symmetry. Other visual techniques include accent, which is created by the colored wooden balls; repetition, which is created by the repeating placement of the ball extensions; and randomness, based of the non-sequential colored order of the wooden balls. Overall, there are many visual techniques which are signature to each individual piece. 

Product Design- Motion/Movement

Product Design - Implied Motion

1. StrandBeests

Here is a product that was designed and fabricated by Theo Jansen. He, in his own words is "creating new forms of life". This mechanic design is a wind propelled machine that simply walks up and down the beach.  The implied motion here lies within the mechanics and movement of the Strandbeests, "beach beast".  if you look at the wings on the beast, the look as if they are fluttering with the wind, and if you look at the feet, they look as if one is ready to take a step right after the other. While we cannot see motion taking place, the implied motion is seen in the stillness and held position of the object. "His mechanical creatures, the Strandbeests, are comprised of hundreds of yellow plastic tubes forming a skeletal structure that is able to walk along the beach with only the help of the wind....he is looking “to put these animals out in herds on the beaches so they will live their own lives.” 
Source:
http://blog.archpaper.com/wordpress/archives/tag/walking-machines

2. Subwing

 

This is a new concept which I heave previously heard about being a diver myself, but the Subwing is a much more though out and improved version of the other underwater exploration devices that I've seen in the past. The Subwing is a simple and unique concept which allows people to explore the underwater terrain of the environment. It's unique shape gives it the appearance of a wing, the suggestion that using it could make you feel as free as a bird. Another aspects is the pivot section in the middle of the wing to optimize the maneuverability in the water. Subwing works by being towed being some sort of watercraft while to user holds onto the wing and because of its movement, the user is allowed the freedom of a dolphin, and the ability to plunge, turn, and twist to great depths. 

Source:

http://www.charterworld.com/news/subwing-superyacht-toy-redefinds-underwater-fun

Tone and Color

Photo of the interior space of the Eames' Case Study House #8

How Tone is Operating:
One aspect that I fondly admire of architects and designers, particularly around the mid-century, is their use of tone is a room or piece. In this photo, the tone of the room is made by natural sunlight reflecting off the walls in the interior of the house, creating a very rich and warm environment.
How Tone is Interacting: 
Key aspects that affect the tone in this photo of the Eames home is the wood interior, and the slight combination of a natural setting. Both of these elements combined transform the area; making an entirely natural setting out of something entirely unnatural.
How Color is Operating: 
Much of the color found in the house contains very natural hues. The uses of the natural and warming earthy color gives off a very neutral atmosphere. As you can see in the picture, Eames has chosen colors such as the various shades of green, warm browns, and creamy whites.
How Color is Interacting:
Much like how tone is interacting, color is doing the same. By placing various shades of natural colors, the combinations of open area within the house, and the natural light and natural elements of color, Eames creates an atmosphere wherein the house feels very natural, yet tamed.

Product Design Elements

Shape:
Shape is, for me, a very important element to design. All design is created using shapes, without which design would have no form, and the world would have no form. Shape can either be regarded as geometric shapes, or the shaping of a material or object. Shape is the anchor of all form and relationships.

Movement:

I believe that movement is a very important aspect of design for many reasons. Movement is important because it is one of the most dominant forces in human experience. Movement is an aspect of design it is able to be felt and seen; for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Movement is often related to progression or change, from one state to another.

Scale:

Scale is another key aspect of design for me. The image above is a photo of a house in the desert. The original inspiration for the design came from the idea of a sushi roll. What the designer had created essentially in this house, was a large sushi roll, and it was all done through the use of scale. Scale is very important to design because it has the ability to manipulate the design's relativeness to its environment. Scale is also important because it can represent a balance, and a constant interaction in design.

Visual Thinking Research

-How many triangles can you find in this picture?
      A friend and I sat down to try to solve this visual problem. Initially, we both started with a top down analysis of the picture. Staring at the top, we worked ourselves down, making sure not to miss anything. We counted out how many triangles that we found, 16. After looking over the cat again, we were sure that our answer was correct. What my friend and I had failed to take into account was the combination of triangles that also formed triangles themselves. The final answer was 20.
http://www.puzzles.com/PuzzlePlayground/Cat/Cat.htm

- Count how many perfect squares of all possible sizes are hidden in the cross of dots above. A square is counting if any four dots are placed exactly in its respective corners.
       With the same friend from the previous visual test, we sat down to try to conquer another. We employed the same technique as the first puzzle, top down visualization. After that process, we both had tried to find more squares, knowing that there would be more. What we had failed to do was to find more squares by looking at the cross of dots from an angle. Initially we found 9 squares. After looking at the solution, we realized that there were 21 perfect squares. 
http://www.puzzles.com/PuzzlePlayground/HowManySquares/HowManySquares.htm

Feature Hierarchy: Bop It

I chose the 'Bop It' as a product design examples that has characteristics of feature hierarchy.

      One of the first features that I notice about the children's toy is its color. Each color represents a different action that the user must accomplish. Another hierarchy feature includes the size and shape of the particular button associated with the task that the user must complete. The green figure requires you to flick it, so it's shape and orientation looks like a vibrating peg, the yellow looks like a twister and requires the user to twist it, the red looks like a wheel and requires a spin from the user, and the blue looks like a tab and requires the user to pull the tab, the purple center requires a push/bop.  Overall, the spatial layout of the device allows the reader to use both hands to hold onto the 'Bop It' and have easy access to the required tasks. I think that the 'Bop It' is a prime example of this week's lecture because it has ample hierarchal visual features.

Visual Perception: Top-Down Processing

    I chose this image because I think that it is a great example of Top-Down visual processing. Top-Down processing involves goal-based visual fixation. In our daily lives, if we do not know where to go, we really on a GPS. A GPS is made for the user to constantly look at it in order for it to provide punctual and effective feedback for use in the external environment. Top-Down visual processing is categorized by goal-directed eye movement, and a constant looping cycle between action and cognition. A GPS embodies both of those aspects; we really at the GPS to provide us with timely feedback on route to the destination/goal, and the information that is constantly provided to the user must be turned into action, creating a constant loop until the goal and/or destination is achieved and/or reached. Any GPS is a great example of Top-Down Visual Perception.

source of image:
http://www.o-digital.com/uploads/2101/2204-1/4_3inch_Car_GPS_8_315.jpg